The province has built a strong track record in the national tournament, winning 15 medals in 2020 and five medals in 2024.
To continue that success, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism formed a dedicated team in early October 2025, consisting of two officials and coaches along with six athletes, currently training at the Pleiku Center for Sports Training and Competition.
The team includes Rcom Hoanh, Kpă Vinh, Ksor A Liên, Rcom H’Điêt, Ksor H’Yưa, and Rơ Lan Đứt, who will compete in running, javelin, shot put, and discus events.
According to coach Nay Gôn, all the athletes have significant experience, having participated in multiple national championships. They were selected from various localities and have been undergoing centralized training to fine-tune their skills.
Among them, Rcom Hoanh (born 1979, from Ia Hiao commune) has been competing for 11 years, winning numerous medals in javelin, shot put, and discus.
After losing his left leg in a 2007 traffic accident, Hoanh continued working in the fields to support his family, developing exceptional upper body strength.
“Outside my farming hours, I practice weightlifting and push-ups to stay strong,” he said. “During centralized training, we make the most of every session with proper equipment.”
Another standout athlete, Rcom H’Điêt (born 1987, from Ayun Pa ward), lost her left arm in a brick kiln accident at the age of 13. She now sells lottery tickets to support her three children.
A veteran competitor since 2010, H’Điêt has claimed numerous gold medals in running, javelin, shot put, and discus, having represented Ho Chi Minh City before returning to Gia Lai in 2024.
“The 10 days of centralized training gave us valuable time to focus,” she said. “We hope to bring medals home for Gia Lai.”
While the Pleiku Center for Sports Training and Competition lacks specialized equipment for disabled athletes, it provides adequate facilities for preparation.
"Compared to major centers, our conditions are limited,” coach Gôn admitted. “But beyond medals, this championship is about empowerment, helping people with disabilities gain confidence and integrate into society.”