Seongnam has done it again. For the fourth consecutive year, the South Korean city has claimed the overall championship at the Gyeonggi Para Games, cementing its status as the undisputed powerhouse of adaptive sports in the region. The final whistle blew Tuesday evening at the Tanbeol Indoor Gymnasium in Gwangju, where Seongnam’s athletes concluded a three-day showcase of dominance with a staggering 81,762.40 total points—nearly 20,000 more than second-place Suwon.

“This isn’t just a victory. it’s a dynasty,” said Lee Sang-ho, executive vice president of the Seongnam Adaptive Sports Association. “Our athletes, coaches and support staff have built something special here, and we’re not slowing down.”

The Numbers Behind the Dominance

Seongnam’s performance at the 16th Gyeonggi Para Games was nothing short of historic. Across 15 of the 17 contested sports—including track and field, swimming, badminton, and rowing—the city’s delegation of 305 participants (189 athletes, 36 coaches, 33 guardians, and 47 officials) secured:

• 68 gold medals (more than double Suwon’s 28)
• 49 silver medals
• 33 bronze medals
• A total score of 81,762.40, widening the gap over Suwon (61,742.20) and third-place Bucheon (51,768.60)

“We didn’t rely on one or two star athletes,” Lee said. “Our strength is depth. Whether it’s badminton, swimming, or track and field, we have medal contenders in every event.”

A Dynasty Built on Investment

Seongnam’s sustained success isn’t accidental. Over the past four years, the city has implemented a series of initiatives to support adaptive athletes, including:

• Expanded funding for corporate sports clubs, allowing teams to recruit top-tier talent and provide year-round training.
• A “Special Elite Athlete” program, which offers stipends, housing, and medical support to standout performers.
• Increased access to sports science and rehabilitation services, ensuring athletes can train safely and recover effectively.

“We’ve created an ecosystem where athletes can focus on their craft without worrying about the basics,” Lee explained. “That’s why we’re seeing results across the board.”

What’s Next for Seongnam?

With no signs of slowing down, Seongnam’s adaptive sports program is already setting its sights on the future. The city’s next major test comes later this year at the National Para Games, where it will aim to extend its streak of dominance to the national level.

“We’re not just competing for medals; we’re competing to raise the bar for adaptive sports in Korea,” Lee said. “This is a movement, not just a team.”

How the Competition Stacked Up

While Seongnam stole the show, the 16th Gyeonggi Para Games featured fierce competition from across the province. Here’s how the top five finished:

Note: Final standings are official per the Gyeonggi Sports 2026 organizing committee.

Key Takeaways

• Seongnam’s dynasty: Four consecutive titles at the Gyeonggi Para Games, with no signs of slowing down.
• Depth over stars: The city’s success is built on a broad roster of medal contenders across 15 sports.
• Investment pays off: Expanded funding, elite athlete programs, and sports science support have fueled Seongnam’s rise.
• National ambitions: The team is now eyeing the National Para Games later this year.
• Dominant margin: Seongnam’s 81,762.40 points were nearly 20,000 ahead of second-place Suwon.

What’s Next?

Seongnam’s adaptive sports program will shift its focus to the National Para Games, scheduled for later this fall. The city’s athletes will also begin preparations for the 2027 Gyeonggi Para Games, where they’ll aim to produce it five titles in a row.

For real-time updates on Seongnam’s adaptive sports program, follow the official Gyeonggi Sports 2026 website or the Gyeonggi Adaptive Sports Association.