The Korea Paralympic Committee has joined hands with Paralympic committees and organizations from 12 Asian countries to expand athlete and coach exchanges and broaden the foundation of para-sports.

The Korea Paralympic Committee co-hosted the "Asian Night" event with the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) and the BDH Foundation on the afternoon of October 20 at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Nagoya, Japan, where they signed a joint memorandum of understanding for the development of para-sports.

Held on the occasion of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games, the event was attended by some 160 people, including Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Kim Dae-hyun, APC President Majid Rashed, Korea Paralympic Committee President Jung Jin-wan, and BDH Foundation Chairman Bae Dong-hyun, as well as representatives from Paralympic committees and international sports organizations across 39 Asian countries.

Paralympic committees from 12 countries participated in this agreement: Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Laos, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Vietnam, Cambodia, Kyrgyzstan, Jordan, and Mongolia.

From 2027 to 2030, the participating institutions plan to promote exchanges of athletes, coaches, and sports administrative personnel; capacity building and leadership development; expanded sports participation for female and youth athletes; and cooperation in international competitions and programs.


In his welcome speech, Vice Minister Kim said, "Building upon South Korea's experience and capabilities accumulated since the 1988 Seoul Paralympics, we intend to contribute to the development of para-sports in Asia," adding, "I hope today's pledge will not end as a simple signature, but lead to practical cooperation where each country shares its experience and wisdom."

In his congratulatory remarks, President Rashed emphasized, "South Korea has played a crucial role in advancing the Asian Paralympic movement through events like the 1988 Seoul Paralympics and the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games," and noted, "The continued support and cooperation of the Korea Paralympic Committee and the BDH Foundation will provide new opportunities for more athletes, and this occasion will serve as a stepping stone for para-sports in Asia to develop together."

Chairman Bae promised continued support, stating, "The value of the Paralympics lies not only in athletes achieving their dreams on the field, but also in meeting new people outside the stadium and sharing experiences and friendship."

(Photo provided by the Korea Paralympic Committee, Yonhap News)