Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim presents the flag to Taiwan’s 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics delegation, encourages athletes to aim high
The 25th Summer Deaflympics Tokyo 2025 took place from November 15 to 26, 2025. On November 10th the Ministry of Sports (the Ministry) held the flag presentation ceremony for the Taiwan’s delegation. Athletes, coaches, and staff attended the event, at which Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim personally presented the flag and NT$200,000 in bonus funds. She encouraged the delegation to step onto the international stage in their best condition after their long-term tireless preparation and to strive for the highest honor for themselves and for Taiwan.
Vice President Hsiao stated that since President Lai Ching-Te took office, promoting sports equality and a barrier-free society has been a major policy focus. The government is committed to creating a friendlier and more inclusive sports environment. The Ministry, established on September 9 this year, set up the Department of Adapted Sports with the goals of “lifelong participation, professional support, and institutional innovation,” actively committing resources so that every talented athlete can shine on the competitive stage.
The Vice President pointed out that the Deaflympics is not only a sports competition but also an important international event displaying perseverance, courage, and the spirit of human rights. The athletes are not only outstanding competitors but also embody the beautiful spirit of Taiwan through indomitable resilience, dream-chasing, and mutual support. This year, the government has increased the prize money and the number of award categories, which serves as both affirmation of athletes’ efforts and the best encouragement. She also expressed deep gratitude to all coaches, staff, families, and supporters behind-the-scenes for their dedication, enabling athletes to move forward bravely and fearlessly. She wished the delegation success in Tokyo, encouraging them to compete with confidence and deliver their best performance, and expressed hopes that they will return home in triumph with excellent results and the blessings of the Taiwanese people.
According to the Ministry of Sports, our national team began its preparation plan last year. For this edition, 11 sports categories have been selected, with 76 athletes and 20 coaches participating. The delegation has strengthened athlete support services by partnering with Mackay Memorial Hospital to establish a medical team—including five physicians and one psychological counselor. The University of Taipei has also assigned eight experienced athletic trainers and three physical therapists to accompany the team. Together with sign language interpreters and logistics personnel, the delegation now totals 150 members, the largest since Taiwan hosted the Deaflympics in Taipei in 2009.
The aim for this year’s Games is to surpass the previous results of 3 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze medals. The delegation features Taiwan’s top current athletes, including world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles for deaf athletes, Hsu Le, who earned 1 gold and 1 bronze last Games and aims to defend her Deaflympics title. Tennis player Lin Chia-Wen won 1 gold and 2 silver medals last time, and will again bear key responsibilities in singles and mixed doubles. The bowling team—historically strong in terms of medals contributed—is led by last edition’s gold medalists Hsieh Sheng-Fu and Chen Chien-Hao, whose strong teamwork and experience can be expected to deliver consistent high-level performances. Team training has been steady and energetic, and outstanding competition results can be looked forward to.
The Taiwan’s delegation will begin departing for Tokyo on November 13. All athletes and coaches will travel in business class to ensure rest during the journey. With unity, the athletes aim to embody the spirit of Taiwan and compete for the highest honor for themselves, for the people, and for Taiwan. The public is invited to join in cheering Taiwan’s heroes.
Media Materials for the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics
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