Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir attended the opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games 2025 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, on January 20, 2026. He affirmed full government and public support for Indonesia's 290 para athletes competing in 18 sports. The Red and White contingent targets 82 gold, 77 silver, and 77 bronze medals.
The opening ceremony of the 13th ASEAN Para Games 2025 took place at 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium in Nakhon Ratchasima on Tuesday night, January 20, 2026. Youth and Sports Minister Erick Thohir attended to demonstrate government support for Indonesian athletes' efforts. "The government and all Indonesian people provide full support to our proud athletes who will begin their struggle at the ASEAN Para Games 2025," Erick said after the event.
He praised the spirit and confidence of the Red and White contingent evident during the defile, where athletes wore regional traditional attire from East Nusa Tenggara, Bali, and North Sumatra, along with cultural symbols like Hanoman. This display reflected the richness of Nusantara culture and boosted athletes' confidence. Erick also appreciated the tradition of Indonesian athletes giving Garuda-emblem pins as souvenirs to volunteers and delegates from other countries, serving as cultural diplomacy to strengthen friendships.
"Please, this is an Indonesian souvenir for you," said para table tennis athlete Agustiningsih to a Thai volunteer. Volunteer Isnai Hayibura responded, "Thank you, the Indonesian pin is cool." The gesture was enthusiastically received and introduced Indonesian identity to the host.
Erick urged athletes, coaches, and officials to focus on competitions rather than complaints about service shortcomings. "Everyone must show that Indonesia is not a nation that likes to complain and it's better to focus on upcoming matches," he emphasized. He stressed solidarity among the National Paralympic Committee Indonesia (NPCI), Chef de Mission (CdM), coaches, and the team to achieve performance targets.
The event involves 11 countries with around 1,700 athletes competing for 493 gold medals in 19 sports plus two exhibitions, running until January 26, 2026. Competitions began on January 21, including para swimming, powerlifting, and athletics. Indonesia commits to values of inclusivity, friendship, and sportsmanship.
