Bangkok: Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakon, Minister of Tourism and Sports, has ordered full steam ahead in preparations for the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Meanwhile, Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), expressed confidence that everything is ready, including infrastructure, accommodation, transportation, and venues, to fully welcome athletes competing in 19 sports.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Kongsak Yodmani revealed the progress in hosting the 13th ASEAN Para Games, to be held from January 20-26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima province. He stated that preparations are underway intensively, with the SAT working closely with all disability sports associations and the Paralympic Committee of Thailand. Continuous meetings have been held to ensure readiness in various aspects. Minister of Tourism and Sports, Mr. Atthakorn Sirilatthayakon, is overseeing the operations and has instructed that preparations proceed at full speed.
The Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) further stated that the schedule for various sporting events is now finalized. This is because, for Paralympic sports, the classification of disabilities is crucial due to its complexity. This requires technical sports experts to handle this aspect. Simultaneously, meetings have been held with representatives from each country to confirm the number of athletes in order to allocate accommodation most effectively. The organizing committee has prepared accommodation and transportation arrangements for the athletes. Similarly, management plans for all 19 sports, including competition and training venues and utilities, are also ready.
'The main competition venue at the National Paralympic Sports Training Center in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, located within the 80th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the King's Reign Sports Center (December 5, 2007), which we utilize for both competitions and training for disabled athletes, has been renovated to host this ASEAN Para Games. At the same time, additional areas have been constructed to serve as a long-term sports training center for disabled athletes,' said Dr. Kongsak.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games, to be held from January 20-26, 2026 in Nakhon Ratchasima province, will feature 19 sports: athletics, archery, badminton, 5-a-side football, boccia, chess, cycling, 7-a-side football, goalball, judo, weightlifting, swimming, table tennis, sitting volleyball, shooting, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair tennis, and bowling, with a total of 493 gold medals up for grabs.