The 13th ASEAN Para Games, held from January 20 to 26, 2026, in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat), Thailand, concluded as a landmark event in Southeast Asian para-sports history. Often called “Thailand 2025” because it followed the 2025 SEA Games, the competition brought together over 1,500 athletes from 11 nations competing across 19 sports, ranging from wheelchair racing to para-swimming and para-badminton.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games stood out for its intense competition, outstanding performances, and historic achievements, with Thailand reclaiming the top spot and countries like the Philippines achieving significant milestones. Juan Sports is proud to provide readers with a complete breakdown of the medal tally and the highlights from this exciting event.
Final Medal Tally: 13th ASEAN Para Games 2026
Thailand dominated the medal standings at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, ending Indonesia’s three-edition winning streak and securing its 7th overall championship. The final medal table highlighted both traditional powerhouses and emerging nations in regional parasports.
| Rank | Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| 1 | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 175 | 155 | 158 | 488 |
| 2 | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 135 | 144 | 114 | 393 |
| 3 | 🇲🇾 Malaysia | 64 | 64 | 73 | 201 |
| 4 | 🇵🇭 Philippines | 45 | 37 | 52 | 134 |
| 5 | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 38 | 48 | 58 | 144 |
| 6 | 🇲🇲 Myanmar | 20 | 19 | 20 | 59 |
| 7 | 🇸🇬 Singapore | 13 | 7 | 9 | 29 |
| 8 | 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste | 3 | 1 | 1 | 5 |
| 9 | 🇱🇦 Laos | 2 | 5 | 9 | 16 |
| 10 | 🇧🇳 Brunei | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| 11 | 🇰🇭 Cambodia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Note: Minor variations in bronze counts reflect ongoing final technical audits by the Asian Paralympic Committee.
Thailand’s 488 total medals reflect its breadth of talent at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, while Indonesia and Malaysia showcased the depth and consistency of their para-athlete programs.
Host Nation Success: Thailand Reclaims the Crown
Thailand leveraged the advantage of hosting the Games, particularly at the 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium, to dominate the podium. Their overall victory was secured when the Thailand football CP team narrowly defeated Myanmar 1–0, clinching the gold medal that sealed the championship.
The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) credited the 175 gold medals to a blend of veteran athletes and emerging young talent. Thailand excelled in several sports, including:
- Wheelchair racing
- Para table tennis
- Swimming
This triumph marked Thailand’s first overall title at the 13th ASEAN Para Games since 2015, ending a decade-long wait and breaking Indonesia’s recent streak.
The Philippines Achieves Historic 4th-Place Finish
The Philippines celebrated a landmark 4th-place finish at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, winning 45 gold medals, surpassing their previous record of 34 from the 2023 Games in Cambodia. This is the country’s best performance since joining the regional meet in 2001, reflecting a new era of competitiveness for Team Philippines.
Top Filipino Performers
Key athletes who contributed to this historic achievement included:
- Darry Bernardo (Para Chess): Secured 6 gold medals across individual and team events, earning the title of the country’s most medalled athlete.
- Angel Otom (Para Swimming): Continued her dominance with 5 golds and 1 silver, positioning herself as a rising star for the upcoming Asian Para Games.
- Gary Bejino (Para Swimming): Set a new 200m freestyle S6 record, improving on his previous best performance.
- King James Reyes (Para Athletics): Broke the meet record in the men’s 1500m T46, clocking 4:17.93.
- Ernie Gawilan (Para Swimming): Secured his 11th career Para Games gold, breaking a 25-year-old record by more than 26 seconds.
The Philippine Sports Commission noted that the combination of 216 young para-athletes with seasoned veterans created the synergy needed to achieve unprecedented results at the 13th ASEAN Para Games.
Regional Powerhouses: Indonesia and Malaysia
Indonesia
Although Indonesia lost the top spot, the nation remained a formidable force at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, particularly in:
- Para-powerlifting
- Para-badminton
Their 135 gold medals kept them close to Thailand’s total for much of the final two days, demonstrating Indonesia’s continued investment in parasports development.
Malaysia
Malaysia finished 3rd overall with 64 gold medals at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, showing consistent improvement. Several Malaysian athletes shone in wheelchair racing, swimming, and table tennis, laying the groundwork for hosting the 14th ASEAN Para Games in Kuala Lumpur in 2027.
Expanded Sports Program & Record-Breaking Performances
The 13th ASEAN Para Games featured 19 sports, including new events such as wheelchair fencing and track cycling. These additions provided more opportunities for athletes with diverse disabilities to showcase their talent.
Some of the most remarkable performances included:
- Thailand’s wheelchair racing team is setting new regional records
- Ernie Gawilan’s record-breaking 200m freestyle swim
- King James Reyes’ athletic record in the 1500m T46
These achievements reflect the rising professionalism and competitiveness of the 13th ASEAN Para Games, as highlighted in Juan Sports coverage of the medal leaders and standout performers.
Infrastructure and Accessibility
Thailand’s venues for the 13th ASEAN Para Games set a new benchmark in accessibility and athlete comfort:
- 80th Birthday Anniversary Aquatics Center: Fully equipped for competitive swimming events
- University stadiums: High-standard, inclusive venues for track, field, and team sports
The ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) praised Thailand for providing world-class facilities that ensured safety, accessibility, and competitive standards for all athletes.
Passing the Torch: Looking Ahead
During the closing ceremony, the APSF flag was officially handed to Malaysia, the host of the 14th ASEAN Para Games in 2027.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games were more than a sporting event—they celebrated resilience, talent, and regional unity. APSF President Osoth Bhavilai emphasized that the Games demonstrated the maturity of parasports in Southeast Asia, setting high expectations for future editions.
Key Takeaways from the 13th ASEAN Para Games
- Thailand reclaimed its regional dominance, leveraging home advantage and strong development programs.
- The Philippines achieved a historic 4th-place finish, blending youth and veterans successfully.
- Indonesia and Malaysia remain key regional powerhouses, ensuring competitive future Games.
- Expanded sports program increased inclusivity, giving athletes with diverse disabilities more opportunities.
- World-class infrastructure provided safe and accessible competition venues for all athletes.
The 13th ASEAN Para Games was not just about medals—it was a celebration of athletic excellence, inclusivity, and the resilience of Southeast Asian para-athletes, setting a benchmark for the future. Coverage by Juan Sports ensures fans can relive the highlights and track the emerging stars of parasports in the region.
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