The 12th ASEAN Para Games has drawn to an end, with another spectacular ceremony filled with fireworks, cultural performances, and celebratory parades by competitors, rounding out a week of sporting action.
Sports fans started packing the 60,000-capacity Morodok Techo National Sports Stadium hours ahead of the official start, waving the flags of their nation countries with pride as they entered.
The ceremony kicked off with a performance from male and female kids waving hearts to the backdrop of iconic footage from the Games. This was rounded out by another jaw-dropping explosion of fireworks that was met by an eruption of cheers from spectators.
Cambodian culture, old and new, once again took center stage with a rousing performance entitled ‘Physical Education of Bokator’. A series of bokator moves were performed to upbeat contemporary Khmer music and lyrics by Baly, Tom, Puth Mithona.
After a parade presenting each of the 14 sports that have taken place during the last week, tributes were paid to the volunteers who made the Games possible.
The stadium fell into silence during a stunning performance, ‘Language of the Hearts’, by the Union of Youth Federation of Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Sen and other high-ranking officials could be seen standing and clapping as the athletes entered the stadium.
Each of the participating nations then paraded the stadium, proudly holding their national flag.
“To all para athletes, we are proud of you and know that each and every one of you have made your country proud,” Hun Mani, chairman of the ASEAN Para Games Organizing Committee, said.
Hun Sen delivered a speech to eruptions of applause from the crowd before the flames of the torch were extinguished. This officially marked the end of Cambodia hosting the 12th ASEAN Para Games.
The ASEAN Para Games’ flag was then lowered as tribute was paid to the “sacrifices, perseverance, and hard work” of competing athletes. It was then handed over to Thailand, the host nation of the 13th ASEAN Para Games in 2026, who gave a dazzling cultural display that showcased some of the nation’s highlights.
This was overshadowed by a performance featuring a series of revered musicians to a video of master of the chapei, Kong Nay, playing. This was accompanied by a showcase of ancient Khmer art forms, including shadow puppeteers, lakhorn performers and apsara dancers.
An explosion of color then appeared above the stadium amid roars as one of the firework displays that have become an iconic part of the opening and closing ceremonies lit up the sky, bringing the event to a close.
In the Games, Indonesia rose triumphantly, clocking the most medals with 401, including 159 gold, during the event. Thailand came in second with 328 medals, including 126 gold, while Vietnam placed third with 201 medals, including 66 gold.
Cambodia ranked eighth in the final medal tally, securing nine gold, 18 silver, and 43 bronze medals.
The Para Games saw more than 1,450 athletes from the 11 ASEAN nations compete in 14 sports from June 3 to 9.
This marks the end of Cambodia successfully hosting the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games for the first time in both events’ history. The nation has received praise from both regional organizing committees for its efforts in hosting the events.
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