Because of unforeseen circumstances, athletes and families of the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia announced their withdrawal from the 13th Southeast Asian Games for athletes with disabilities, or ASEAN Para Games, scheduled to take place in Thailand from January 20 to 26, 2026.
On January 8, the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia sent a letter to the ASEAN Para Sports Federation concerning its withdrawal from the 13th ASEAN Para Games in Thailand. Nevertheless, as a member country, the committee continued to appreciate the efforts of the federation and all relevant parties, including all participating countries, to organise the event, and hoped the competitions would proceed smoothly. Cambodia thanked the ten ASEAN countries that had consistently supported its National Paralympic Committee.
The report recalls that last December Cambodia also sent athletes to the 33rd SEA Games in Thailand, before promptly withdrawing amid safety concerns. The Cambodian sports delegation nevertheless attended the flag-raising ceremony and official opening ceremony before the decision to withdraw and return home. The report said all ASEAN member countries supported Cambodia’s decision at a time when the country was suffering aggression by the Thai military.
By: Nget Pisant
