Thailand finished second overall, trailing Indonesia, at the 12th Asean Para Games, which concluded on Friday night.
Indonesia won the 2023 edition with 158 gold medals, 148 silver medals, and 95 bronze medals, finishing far ahead of Thailand, which finished with 126 gold medals, 109 silver medals, and 94 bronze medals.
Vietnam finished third (66-59-78), while Malaysia finished fourth (50-38-34).
Cambodia finished tenth out of 11 member countries with 71 medals (9-18-44).
Thailand will host the next Asean Para Games in January 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen presided over the 2023 Games’ closing ceremony at Morodok Techo National Stadium.
It was a fantastic and colorful evening full with music, sound, dancing, lights, laser shows, and spectacular fireworks that caught the hearts of the 70,000 people who had flocked to the stadium early in the afternoon.
Hun Many, vice president of Cambodia’s National Paralympic Committee, presented the Asean Para Sports Federation flag to APSF president Osoth Bhavilai, who then passed it to Paralympic Committee of Thailand chief Naiyanobh Bhirombhakdi, officially handing over the hosting duties to Thailand in 2026.
Osoth complimented Cambodia for successfully hosting the Games despite being a first-time host.
“We have witnessed a truly thrilling display of courage and grit over the last week.” Cambodia, you have demonstrated your actual ability as hosts by successfully hosting the first Asean Para Games. “Congratulations!” the Thai official exclaimed.
“You are all true winners as athletes!” You provided joy and the true meaning of enthusiasm and camaraderie to all volunteers! And to all the viewers and Cambodians, thank you for your encouragement to continue fighting the cause of the disabled population via sports.”
During the week-long competition, which began on June 2, 1,428 athletes and 726 officials (including 455 in wheelchairs) competed in 14 sports.
Source: Bangkok Post
