After a week of exciting competition, the 13th ASEAN Para Games concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony on the evening of January 26 at the Nakhon Ratchasima Stadium in Thailand. The ceremony, organised solemnly by the host country, left many beautiful emotions and impressions on the participating sports delegations.
At this Games, the Vietnamese Paralympic team successfully completed its mission. After 5 days of official competition, competing in 11 out of 19 sports, the Vietnamese delegation won a total of 38 gold medals, 48 silver medals, and 58 bronze medals, ranking 5th overall, exceeding the target set before departure. This result clearly reflects the efforts, determination, and resilience of Vietnamese athletes in overcoming their circumstances.
At the end of the Games, the Vietnamese Paralympic team ranked behind host country Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Host country Thailand led the overall medal tally with 175 gold medals, 155 silver medals, and 156 bronze medals.
Among the sports, the Vietnamese chess team was the most impressive, winning 15 gold medals, 4 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. Swimming also made a strong impression with 14 gold medals, 17 silver medals, and 26 bronze medals. Meanwhile, athletics won 7 gold medals, 18 silver medals, and 11 bronze medals. Weightlifting brought home 2 gold medals, 5 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals.
Notably, participating in 11 sports, the Vietnamese delegation won medals in 10, including sports that were introduced for the first time, such as fencing and archery, where athletes reached the finals and won silver and bronze medals.
These results demonstrate the thorough and serious preparation of Vietnamese disabled sports. With the achievements at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, Vietnamese athletes are expected to continue their success at the Asian Para Games in Japan in October, with strong sports such as swimming, weightlifting, chess, and athletics promising to bring home medals.
Also during the closing ceremony, the organising committee solemnly handed over the flag to Malaysia for hosting the 14th ASEAN Para Games in 2027.
