Laos to Compete in 12 Sports at 14th ASEAN Para Games

Laos has finalized its intention to send athletes in 12 sports to the 14th ASEAN Para Games, scheduled to be held in Kuala Lumpur from October 17–23, 2027. A senior delegation from the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao PDR, led by Deputy Minister Kingmano Phommahaxay, who also serves as President of the National Paralympic Committee of Laos, attended the ASEAN Para Sports Federation (APSF) Board of Governors Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7–11, 2026. During the meeting, Laos proposed its participation in 12 sports: athletics, swimming, powerlifting, boccia, women’s goalball, men’s blind football, women’s wheelchair basketball, cycling, badminton, wheelchair fencing, tennis, and shooting. Lattasay Inthavong, Deputy Director General of the Department of Physical, Mass and Art Education, stated that Laos’ participation in the meeting was crucial for strengthening regional sports cooperation, exchanging experiences, and planning for the development of para-sports within ASEAN. He added that the meeting also provided an opportunity for Laos to prepare for future regional and international sporting events. The Lao delegation also engaged in related exchange activities organized by the Malaysian hosts. Following the conclusion of the 13th ASEAN Para Games, the APSF and host country Malaysia commenced preparations for the 14th edition. Member countries were requested to submit preliminary expressions of interest in the sports they intended to enter, leading to Laos' proposal for participation in 12 sports. Under its one-party system, Laos is seeking to advance social development and engagement with the international community. Particularly for Laos, which has close ties with Vietnam and China, exchanges through sports with ASEAN nations can contribute to domestic social integration and enhance its international image. Economically, infrastructure development and tourism promotion remain key challenges, and active participation in sports events is expected to have ripple effects in these areas. Source: KPL Laos News