Thailand hosts the 2024 World Abilitysport Youth Games from December 1-7. The Youth Games allows athletes with physical impairment under 23 years old to experience a fair sport before reaching the international competition.
A total of 18 countries and 138 athletes participated in the event held in Nakhon Ratchasima. The 2024 games will feature athletics, boccia, powerlifting, and table tennis. Occasionally, traditional sports can be included as well under the Local Organising Committee's supervision, such as archery, shooting, swimming, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby, and volleyball.
This competition formerly known as IWAS World Games has achieved powerful development for Asia and is also expected to bring an improvement to the country's sports structures and facilities. Boccia will make its debut in this year's Games.
Indonesia is set to send a team of 32 athletes to the World Abilitysport Youth Games. This will also be Bangladesh's first time in the Games, participating in a table tennis contest.
The breakthrough of the competition is a part of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) no. 3 and 10. Not only will this event focus on providing accessible features and services, but also reduce the power imbalance that limits the opportunity for those who are disabled.
Its vision is to offer athletes a wider knowledge of teamwork and sporting experience while preparing to compete on the biggest competition scale. Therefore, all of the games in the World Abilitysport Youth Games are designed and established on the Paralympic Games program.
World Abilitysport Youth Games have mentioned their Strategic Plan for 2023-2025:
- Deliver world-class Games and events
- Promote wheelchair fencing and powerchair hockey as the International Federation
- Expand recreation initiatives
- Develop ‘Sport for Change’ initiatives
- Support Members and associated communities
- Ensure long-term sustainability
This competition has also a growing potential for Southeast Asia physically impaired athletes. In the last competition in 2023, Thai athletes, such as Prawat Wahoram and Athiwat Paeng-Nuea, left the audience impressed in track and field events.
The Indonesian Paralympic cycling team, in particular, secured multiple gold medals in various categories. Athletes like Sufyan Saori, Muhammad Fadli Imammuddin, and Tifan Abid Alana showcased exceptional skill and determination.
The next 2025 event is set to happen in Indonesia. Indonesia's Minister of Sports said that the event will encourage athletes to collect qualifying points to enter the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
