The Philippines sent a 323-strong delegation, its biggest yet, to the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. Can they surpass their 34-33-50 medal haul from 2023? Here's what you need to know and where to watch the games.
The Philippines is sending a 323-strong delegation to the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.
The primary objective of the ASEAN Para Games is to promote equality and inclusion, encouraging the full participation of people with disabilities in society across the Southeast Asian region.
Here's what you need to know.
Where to watch the ASEAN Para Games?
The opening ceremony, as well as select games of the 13th ASEAN Para Games are available to watch via livestream on the Pilipinas Live app.
You can download the app via Google Play or the App Store.
How many Philippine athletes are sent to the Para Games?
The Philippine Paralympic Committee is sending 323 delegates—including 216 athletes—to the 13th ASEAN Para Games, its largest delegation yet.
The Filipinos are aiming to improve on their 2023 haul of 34 golds, 33 silvers, and 50 bronze medals, which was their best performance yet.
The games will also serve as a qualifier to the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan and the 2028 Paralympics in Los Angeles, USA.
Who is the Philippines' flagbearer?
Decorated wheelchair racer Jerrold Mangliwan has been chosen to lead Team Philippines as flagbearer in the opening ceremony.
He is a three-time Paralympian, appearing in the final rounds of the men's 400m T52 event in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024.
He won gold in the 2022 Asian Para Games, and is a six-time gold medalist at the ASEAN edition.
What are the Para Games sports for Philippine athletes?
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Para athletics
- Para badminton
- Boccia
- Cerebral Palsy Football
- Para cycling
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Goalball
- Para judo
- Para powerlifting
- Para swimming
- Para table tennis
- Sitting volleyball
- Wheelchair basketball
- Para archery
What can we expect in the opening ceremony?
The theme of the ASEAN Para Games is "The United Heart of the Unstoppable", capturing the true essence of para sports-where strength is not defined by physical limitations, but driven by determination, belief, and an unwavering spirit of hope.
Like the SEA Games, the opening ceremony of the Para Games will also feature a digital green cauldron to promote sustainability.
Each country will also be represented by a flower during the ceremony. The Philippines was assigned the Pud Kaew flower, which "reflects a spirit of hope, joy, and the strength of communities that support and uplift one another."
Warasinee Sirichueawatthanakul will serve as the placard bearer for Team Philippines.
The opening will be held at the His Majesty the King's 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima at 8:00 p.m. PH time.
Katrina Alba is a sports journalist and producer, notably with SportsCenter Philippines before taking on her current role at One Sports.
She primarily writes about basketball and volleyball, with experience covering the SEA Games, Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup.
Outside of work, her hobbies include running, swimming, pickleball, yoga, arnis, and krav maga.