Cambodia pulls out of ASEAN Para Games citing unforeseen circumstances

Cambodia will not send a delegation to the 13th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled run from January 20 to 26 in Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) in Thailand.

In a letter dated January 8, the National Paralympic Committee of Cambodia (NPCC) informed the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) that its athletes and officials will not participate in the biennial sporting event due to “unforeseen circumstances.”

The letter, addressed to APSF president Maj Gen Osoth Bhavilai, was signed by NPCC Secretary-General Yi Veasna. APSF acknowledged the notice and confirmed Cambodia’s non-participation.

Osoth said the federation respects Cambodia’s decision, while expressing regret over its withdrawal.

“While we regret Cambodia’s absence from the 13th ASEAN Para Games, APSF fully respects the decision conveyed by NPC Cambodia under its prevailing circumstances,” he said in a news release.

Cambodia also withdrew its athletes from the SEA Games, hosted by Thailand in December, citing safety concerns, as both countries were engaged in fierce border fighting at the time.

“Cambodia remains a valued member of the ASEAN Para sports family and its contributions to the movement, including hosting the 12th ASEAN Para Games in Phnom Penh in 2023, will always be recognised,” Osoth said.

Before withdrawing, Cambodia had submitted an entry list of 103 athletes competing in 12 sports, along with 41 officials.

Osoth said Cambodia also expressed appreciation for the preparations undertaken by APSF, the National Paralympic Committee of Thailand and the Thailand ASEAN Para Games Organising Committee.

He added that preparations in Nakhon Ratchasima are in their final stages.

The ASEAN Para Games Thailand will feature 19 sports at various venues. Korat will be hosting the games for the second time, 18 years after staging the fourth edition in 2008.