Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh attended the ceremony.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games will take place from January 15 to 27, 2026 in Korat, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand, with the participation of 11 Southeast Asian countries.
The Games will feature 19 sports and 536 events, serving as an important arena for countries in the region to assess the development of para sports, while also providing athletes with opportunities to gain experience in preparation for continental and world-level competitions.
Reporting at the ceremony, Le Thi Hoang Yen, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Physical Education and Sports and head of the delegation stated that, in accordance with the regulations of the Games’ organising committee and based on professional performance, Viet Nam will send a total of 185 members, including 141 athletes, 27 coaches and 17 officials.
The athletes will compete in 11 sports including athletics, swimming, weightlifting, badminton, table tennis, chess, judo, boccia, archery, tennis, and fencing.
The Vietnamese delegation sets a target of winning 40–50 gold medals and rank among the top four to five countries in the region.
Representing all athletes, powerlifter Le Van Cong expressed his honour at participating in the 13th ASEAN Para Games, and pledged to uphold the spirit of unity, compassion and mutual support, striving to overcome all difficulties in order to fulfil the delegation’s objectives and tasks.
In his directive remarks at the send-off ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasised that the Party and the State have always paid close attention to, created favourable conditions for, and issued numerous policies to ensure that persons with disabilities fully and equally enjoy their civic rights, develop their capabilities, and contribute to the development of the community and society.
On the regional and international sporting stage, generations of Vietnamese para athletes have affirmed their standing through determination and an aspiration to excel. The medals won and records set are not only the result of individual effort, but also vivid proof of the Vietnamese spirit, providing strong inspiration to the community and millions of people with disabilities.
The Deputy Prime Minister called on all officials, coaches and athletes of the delegation to be fully aware of their responsibility and the honour entrusted to them by the nation; to compete with a spirit of fair play, integrity and unity; to maintain discipline; to respect the laws and customs of the host country; and thereby contribute to promoting the image of Viet Nam and its people as peace-loving, friendly, resilient and rich in the will to rise above challenges.
