Opening Ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games: Spreading the spirit of "Together we create pride"

On the evening of January 20th, the opening ceremony of the 13th Southeast Asian Para Games (ASEAN Para Games 13) took place at the 80th Birthday Stadium (Nakhon Ratchasima city, Thailand).

With the slogan "Together We Make Pride," the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games was elaborately staged, reflecting the rich cultural identity of host country Thailand. The artistic program consisted of three main performances, themed "Harmony of Hearts," "Heartbeat Isaan Pop," and "The Rhythm of Dreams," conveying messages of unity, resilience, and the aspirations of disabled athletes.

The person honored to carry the flag for the Vietnamese Paralympic Team is badminton player Truong Ngoc Binh (Photo: Thairath).

The opening night was vibrant and emotional, featuring many leading Thai artists such as country singers Sunaree Ratchasima and Apaporn Nakhonsawan, rapper Milli (Danupha Kanatheerakul), singer Keng Tachaya Prathumwan, and Gam The Star (Wichayanee Piaklin). The performances created an enthusiastic atmosphere, spreading a positive spirit and pride in Southeast Asian sports for people with disabilities.

Attending the opening ceremony, the Vietnamese Paralympic Team appeared with a lineup of its most outstanding athletes. The honor of carrying the flag for the Vietnamese Paralympic Team went to badminton player Truong Ngoc Binh. Previously, weightlifter Le Van Cong was chosen for this role; however, due to a competition scheduled for January 21st, the team's leadership decided to adjust the situation accordingly.

Overview of the opening ceremony (Photo: Thairath)

One of the most solemn and meaningful moments of the Opening Ceremony was the procession and lighting of the ASEAN Para Games 13 torch. The torch was carried by three athletes, Chaiwat Rattana, Phanom Laksanaprim, and Orrawan Kraisingh, before being handed to Saisunee Jaena – Thailand's outstanding wheelchair fencing athlete. Saisunee Jaena, a legendary figure in the host country's disabled sports with five Paralympic gold medals, lit the flame, officially opening the Games.

The opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games not only ushered in the region's largest sporting event for people with disabilities, but also powerfully spread a message of willpower, resilience, and pride, in line with the spirit that the Games aim for.

Opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games (Photo: Thairath)

On the morning of the same day, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong visited and encouraged the Vietnamese Paralympic Team. During the meeting, Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong cordially inquired about the health of the athletes and coaches, and specifically asked about the living conditions, daily life, and training of the team during their first days in Thailand.

Acknowledging the efforts, determination to overcome difficulties, and serious preparation of the teams, the Deputy Minister affirmed that the leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism always pay close attention, monitor closely, and create the most favorable conditions for the Vietnamese Paralympic team to compete with peace of mind.

The Vietnamese Paralympic team participating in the 13th ASEAN Para Games consists of 185 members, including more than 140 athletes.

Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong also emphasized the State's concern for athletes, which is concretized by Decree 349/2025/ND-CP, effective from February 15, 2026, detailing regulations on salaries, nutrition, special benefits, healthcare, training and employment, insurance, bonuses, and especially increasing monthly allowances for high-achieving athletes. This creates the best conditions for coaches and athletes to improve their performance, professionalize sports, and ensure a secure life after the end of their careers.

"The ASEAN Para Games is not only a regional sporting arena but also an opportunity for Vietnamese disabled athletes to showcase their resilience, aspirations, and the image of a resilient Vietnamese people. I hope the athletes maintain their health, compete with a spirit of solidarity, honesty, and sportsmanship, and strive to achieve the best results in each event," Deputy Minister Hoang Dao Cuong emphasized.

The 13th ASEAN Para Games will take place from January 20 to 26, 2026, featuring 19 sports and 536 events. The Vietnamese Paralympic team will participate with 185 members, including over 140 athletes competing in 11 sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Weightlifting, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Judo, Boccia, Archery, Wheelchair Tennis, and Wheelchair Fencing, aiming for at least 30 gold medals. This is a carefully selected and intensively trained force, ready for the exciting competition days at the Games.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/khai-mac-asean-para-games-13-lan-toa-tinh-than-cung-nhau-tao-nen-niem-tu-hao-20260120231701522.htm