What are the ASEAN Para Games? (And Why You Should Watch It Next Week!)

If you are currently in Thailand or following Southeast Asian sports news, you are about to see a lot of excitement surrounding Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat).

Starting January 20, 2026, Thailand will host the 13th ASEAN Para Games, welcoming thousands of athletes from 11 nations to compete in the region’s biggest sporting event for people with disabilities.

But what exactly is this tournament? How did it start, and why is this 2026 edition historic? Here is your complete guide.

What are the ASEAN Para Games?

The ASEAN Para Games is a biennial (every two years) multi-sport event for athletes with physical, visual, or intellectual disabilities.

It is the "twin" of the SEA Games (Southeast Asian Games). Traditionally, the country that hosts the SEA Games will also host the Para Games a few weeks or months later, using the same venues and infrastructure.

• Participants: The 10 ASEAN member countries (Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Brunei) plus Timor-Leste.
• The Mission: To promote friendship, solidarity, and most importantly, to showcase that ability is not defined by physical limitations.

The History: Where Did It Begin?

Compared to the Olympics, the ASEAN Para Games are relatively young.

• The Founder: The games were conceptualized by Dato' Zainal Abu Zarin, the founding president of the Malaysian Paralympic Council. He envisioned a regional event that would give disabled athletes in Southeast Asia a competitive stage before moving on to the Asian Para Games or the Paralympics.
• The First Games (2001): The inaugural event was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in October 2001. It was a humble beginning with only two sports (Athletics and Swimming) and about 700 athletes.
• The Growth: Since then, the Games have exploded in size. From just two sports in 2001, the 2026 edition in Thailand will feature a staggering 19 sports.

The 2026 Edition: "Korat Games" (Jan 20–26)

This year is special. Thailand is hosting the games in Nakhon Ratchasima (commonly known as Korat), the gateway to the Northeast (Isan).

Here are the key facts you need to know about the games starting:

1. It is a "Homecoming" for Korat

This is the second time Korat has hosted the ASEAN Para Games (the first was in 2008). Korat is one of the few cities outside of a national capital to have this honor twice, cementing its reputation as a sports city.

2. The Mascots: "Phahat" and "Sao."

Keep an eye out for the adorable mascots you will see on billboards everywhere.

• They are designed based on woven basketry patterns (wickerwork), a famous traditional craft of the region.
• The "weaving" symbolizes the connection and solidarity between the ASEAN nations; individual strands are fragile, but when woven together, they are unbreakable.

3. The Scale

This is set to be the biggest ASEAN Para Games ever in terms of sports. With 19 disciplines, including Wheelchair Basketball, Blind Football, and Para Powerlifting, the competition will be fierce.

Why You Should Tune In

The ASEAN Para Games are often more emotional and inspiring than the main SEA Games. The atmosphere is less about commercial rivalry and more about the human spirit.

If you are in Thailand, the events are usually free to watch. If you are near Korat between Jan 20 - 26, head to the "80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium" to witness world-class athletes defying the odds.

• Mark your calendars: The Opening Ceremony is January 20, 2026!

To keep up with the event schedule, live coverage, and how to cheer for Team Thailand, follow updates on official channels and our own guide to the ASEAN Para Games 2026 schedule & how to watch. Follow official updates and our 2026 ASEAN Para Games guide for the latest info.