Won Yoo-min Wins Asian Paralympic Committee Seat
The veteran athlete joins the committee as one of five new members serving until 2030.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Olympics
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Won Yoo-min has been elected to the Asian Paralympic Committee Athletes' Committee following a vote held on the sidelines of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Para Games. The 38-year-old athlete, who also serves as second vice-chair of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council, was one of five individuals selected for the role.
Why it matters
This election places a seasoned athlete with international experience on a key regional body responsible for representing para-athletes. The results ensure that Won will continue to influence Paralympic governance alongside counterparts from Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Uzbekistan through 2030.
Won Yoo-min, a 38-year-old multi-sport athlete, secured a seat among five newly elected representatives. The tenure for these appointees officially concludes in 2030.
The players
Won Yoo-min
He is a 38-year-old athlete who competes in wheelchair rugby and para nordic skiing.
Korea Paralympic Committee
This national organization manages the participation of South Korean athletes in Paralympic sports.
International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council
This council serves as the primary body representing the views and interests of Paralympic athletes worldwide.
The details
Won brings a diverse athletic background to the committee, having previously represented Canada in wheelchair basketball at the 2016 Rio Paralympics and later competing for South Korea in nordic skiing at the 2022 and 2026 Winter Paralympics. He currently holds a leadership position as the second vice-chair of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council, a role he assumed in 2024.
Timeline
Won competed for Canada at the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Won competed for South Korea at the 2022 Winter Paralympics.
Won was elected second vice-chair of the IPC Athletes' Council in 2024.
The election concluded on Friday, October 23, 2026.
The Korea Paralympic Committee announced the results on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
Season Trajectory
Won's new position on the Asian Paralympic Committee Athletes' Committee extends his ongoing governance work with the International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Council. This appointment bolsters the regional representation of experienced multi-sport athletes within the broader Paralympic organizational structure.
The appointment provides the region with experienced representation, ensuring athletes have a veteran advocate in organizational decision-making through 2030. This ensures that the specific needs of wheelchair rugby and nordic skiing competitors remain highlighted within the Asian Paralympic governance framework.
The takeaway
Won Yoo-min brings a unique perspective to the committee having competed as an athlete for two different nations across both summer and winter games. His election underscores the growing influence of multi-sport veterans in shaping the long-term strategic direction of para-athletics.
Further reading
For more information on the international sporting landscape, visit the Olympics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KBS WORLD Radio.
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