The opening ceremony was impressive and deeply humane.

The Vietnamese Paralympic team participates in the opening ceremony. Photo: Do Sinh – Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Thailand.

On the evening of January 20th, the 13th ASEAN Para Games 2025 officially opened at the Nakhon Ratchasima Stadium (Thailand), marking the beginning of exciting days of competition with a message of inclusion, resilience in overcoming adversity, friendship, and the strength of regional sports solidarity.

Building upon the successes of the recently concluded SEA Games 33, the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games was held in a solemn, professional, and artistic manner, rich in cultural identity, and intended to inspire disabled athletes from 11 ASEAN countries.

The program is built around three main performance scenes, exploring traditional art and culture combined with contemporary music, featuring renowned Thai artists and singers such as Milli, Sunaree Ratchasima, Aphaphorn Nakhonsawan, Keng Tachaya, and Gam The Star.

The combination of music stars and large-scale performances created a vibrant, youthful, and modern festival atmosphere.

The opening ceremony featured a musical performance titled "Harmony of Hearts," emphasizing the spirit of unity and solidarity among ASEAN nations.

Next, the dancers and singers performed "Heartbeat Isan Pop," creating a vibrant atmosphere as local traditional music was modernized and presented in a contemporary style. The first part of the show concluded with the stadium being filled with the melodies of "Rhythm of the Heart of Dreams."

One of the most solemn and emotional moments of the opening ceremony is the parade of the sports delegations.

Leading the delegations were outstanding athletes, symbols of the pride and tradition of disabled sports, carrying the national flags of their respective countries into the stadium amidst resounding cheers and applause from the spectators.

Badminton player Truong Ngoc Binh had the honor of carrying the flag of the Vietnamese Paralympic Team. He is one of the veteran athletes of Vietnamese Paralympic sports, having competed for the national team for many years and possessing an impressive record of achievements at regional, continental, and world competitions.

The highlight of the opening ceremony was the ASEAN Para Games torch lighting ceremony performed by wheelchair fencing athlete Saysunee Jana (dubbed the "Queen" of Thai disabled sports, having won five gold medals at the Games), lighting the flame amidst the emotional cheers of tens of thousands of spectators.

The ASEAN Para Games 2025 is not just a sporting event, but also spreads a message about equality, inclusion, and celebrating human resilience.

With its elaborately staged opening ceremony, harmoniously blending local cultural identity with international performance standards, Thailand created an inspiring start to the Games.

In the coming days, athletes from various delegations will compete to continue telling stories of willpower, miracles, and the belief in overcoming limitations.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/le-khai-mac-an-tuong-dam-tinh-nhan-van-post938178.html