Cambodia hosted the 12th edition of the ASEAN Para Games in 2023. However, it is skipping this year’s edition in Thailand. (Photo courtesy of ASEAN Para Sports Federation)
Cambodia has formally withdrawn from the 13th ASEAN Para Games, dealing a late shake-up to the regional sporting meet scheduled from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
In a letter dated January 8, the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia informed the ASEAN Para Sports Federation that it would not be sending athletes or officials to the biennial event due to what it described as unforeseen circumstances. The letter was addressed to APSF president Maj. Gen. Osoth Bhavilai and signed by NPC Cambodia secretary-general Yi Veasna.
The APSF later acknowledged receipt of the notice and confirmed Cambodia’s non-participation, saying it respected the decision taken by the Cambodian Paralympic body.
“While we regret Cambodia’s absence from the 13th ASEAN Para Games, APSF fully respects the decision conveyed by NPC Cambodia under its prevailing circumstances,” Bhavilai said in a statement released Saturday.
Cambodia’s withdrawal comes against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions with Thailand. The country had also pulled out of last month’s Southeast Asian Games, adding to concerns over the impact of politics on regional sports participation.
Despite the setback, Bhavilai stressed that Cambodia remains an integral part of the ASEAN Para sports movement, citing its role as host of the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh in 2023.
“Cambodia remains a valued member of the ASEAN Para sports family, and its contributions to the movement will always be recognized,” he said.
Prior to its withdrawal, Cambodia had submitted an entry list of 103 athletes competing in 12 sports, supported by 41 officials. Bhavilai also relayed NPC Cambodia’s appreciation for the efforts of the APSF, the National Paralympic Committee of Thailand, and the Thailand ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee in preparing for the meet.
Organizers said preparations in Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat, are in their final stages. The city will host the ASEAN Para Games for the second time, 18 years after staging the fourth edition in 2008, with competitions set across multiple venues and featuring 19 sports.
The Philippines will field a 216-athlete delegation and is expected to compete in 16 of the 19 sports on offer, skipping blind football, wheelchair tennis, and wheelchair shooting. Veteran wheelchair racer Jerrold Pete Mangliwan, a three-time Paralympian who competed in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024, has been named the Philippine flagbearer for the opening ceremony.
As the countdown continues, organizers remain focused on delivering a smooth and inclusive Games, even as Cambodia’s absence leaves a noticeable gap in this year’s regional Para sports showcase.