Thai Disabled Sports Association Partners with South Korea to Develop Para Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling, Aiming for International Excellence
Thailand and South Korea signed a cooperation agreement to develop ice hockey and wheelchair curling for athletes with disabilities, aiming to elevate Thai teams to international and Paralympic competition levels.
The Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, which oversees the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Incheon Ice Hockey Association for the Disabled from South Korea. The signing ceremony was attended by Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, along with Choi Lee Sun, Secretary-General of the Incheon Disabled Sports Association, Vashin Leesagul, President of the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, and Joe Won Ho, Coach of the Incheon Disabled Ice Hockey Association. Athletes, personnel, and officials from both nations witnessed the historic agreement at the Thai Disabled Sports Association headquarters.
This collaboration marks a major milestone for Thai and South Korean disabled sports, designed to promote sustainable development of para ice hockey across all levels, enhance athlete potential, and elevate technical expertise among athletes, coaches, and officials. The partnership will include exchanges of playing techniques, training plans, and competition strategies. South Korea stands as one of the world's leading nations in Paralympic winter sports, making this cooperation an invaluable opportunity for Thai athletes to gain international experience and prepare for global competitions. The partnership also strengthens cultural ties and friendship between the two nations through sports.
Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, stated that ice hockey and wheelchair curling for the disabled represent one of 27 sports managed by the association over the past 4-5 years. He acknowledged that these sports have not received substantial support previously, and Thai athletes' international performance has fallen short of expectations. However, with current backing from multiple sectors including South Korean sports associations, Kongruang expressed confidence that Thai ice hockey will develop continuously and achieve international success, particularly targeting qualification for the Winter Paralympic Games. Beyond athletic excellence, the association prioritizes athlete welfare and career development, ensuring financial stability for athletes and personnel.
Following the signing, Thai and South Korean athletes, officials, and coaches visited the Sports Science Training Center at the Thailand National Sports University in Huamark, touring upgraded fitness facilities with modern technology, physical fitness testing centers, sports medicine clinics, medical technology units, and performance enhancement facilities. They also reviewed Thailand's internationally-standardized sports science knowledge and management systems.
Additionally, a two-day friendly para ice hockey match titled "Friendly Match Para Ice Hockey 2026" was held between Thailand's national team and Incheon team on May 19 and 21, 2026 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena.
