Team Philippines para squads hit the ground running as ASEAN Para Games action opens in Thailand

Before the lights officially come on at the 13th ASEAN Para Games, the Philippines is already stepping into competition mode.

The national 3×3 wheelchair basketball teams and the cerebral palsy (CP) football squad are set to open the country’s campaign in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand on Monday, a full day ahead of the opening ceremony, signaling an early test of readiness for Team Pilipinas.

Wheelchair basketball takes center stage first at Terminal 21 Korat, where the men’s team clashes with Indonesia at 11:30 a.m. (Manila time), followed closely by the women’s showdown against host Thailand at noon. Both matches will be played on the mall’s fourth floor, a unique venue that presents challenges beyond the usual X’s and O’s.

For Pilipinas Warriors head coach Vernon Perea, success will hinge less on scripted plays and more on adaptability once the ball is in play.

“We are always hoping but no matter how hard we train. It will all boil down to the breaks of the game, how fit we are and how sharp we are during the game,” Perea said.

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𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗢𝗡!

One more day until Team Philippines takes on the #ASEANParaGames2025 in Thailand!

Leading our mighty contingent is veteran Paralympian Jerrold Mangliwan. pic.twitter.com/KA7AxCBHJP

— Philippine Sports Commission (@psc_gov) January 19, 2026

Perea pointed to the playing surfaces as one of the immediate adjustments his squads must manage, with varying court textures expected to affect movement and control.

“We are making adjustments. Court 2, medyo madulas tsaka Court 1, may mga rough surfaces. But lahat naman ng players maglalaro dyan so it will be the same for everybody.”

Later in the day, attention shifts to the pitch as the men’s CP football team opens its tournament at 4 p.m. at the Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University Football Stadium, adding another front to the Philippines’ early push in the regional meet.

While the opening ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, January 20, and the official competition begins Wednesday, these early fixtures offer Filipino para-athletes a chance to set the tone immediately—testing their preparation, composure, and ability to respond under unfamiliar conditions.

For Team Pilipinas, the journey toward podium finishes begins not with ceremony, but with action. 

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