Getting to Know Flying Disc, the Unique Sport Debuting at SEA Games 2025

Flying discs have finally made history after becoming a demonstration sport at the 33rd SEA Games Thailand 2025. For the first time, this sport that evolved from casual play among American university students has entered the largest multi-sport stage in Southeast Asia.

This decision not only marks regional recognition of flying disc's popularity but also opens opportunities for the wider public to understand this sport's format.

From Pie Tins to Competitive Arena

As reported on the SEA Games 2025 website, the origins of flying disc sports date back to 1871 when University of Connecticut students used pie tins from the Frisbie Company for throwing and catching games.

The activity grew rapidly, with people calling it "Frisbee," adopting the name of the tin manufacturer.

With the evolution of mass-produced plastic flying discs, the sport was renamed "Flying Disc," though the term "Frisbee" remains popular, similar to "ping pong" for table tennis.

As competition popularity increased, the sport gained recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This recognition helped secure flying disc's appearance as a demonstration sport at SEA Games 2025.

The flying disc competitions are planned to be held in Bangkok and surrounding areas.

Two Featured Events at SEA Games

Among various flying disc disciplines, SEA Games 2025 selected two most popular events for demonstration:

1. Disc Golf

Disc Golf adopts traditional golf principles. The difference is players throw discs into target baskets instead of hitting balls into holes.

Winners are determined by the fewest throws needed to reach the target, similar to par or stroke concepts in conventional golf.

This sport demands technique, precision, and wind-reading ability, making it ideal for tactical game enthusiasts.

2. Ultimate

Ultimate is a team format played 7 versus 7 on a rectangular field. Sportsmanship, speed, and strategy are key elements.

Similar to American Football, players holding the disc cannot run, relying on passes between teammates.

Teams score by making successful passes into the opponent's end zone. If the disc drops or is intercepted, possession immediately changes.

Global Sport with Growing Community

Though not yet part of the Olympics, flying disc continues to grow worldwide with support from the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), the official governing body established in 1985 that regulates competitions from local to international levels.

Beyond Disc Golf and Ultimate, disciplines like accuracy throwing, distance competitions, and freestyle enrich the flying disc world.

Chairman of the Indonesian Flying Disc Players Association, Randi Tulus, stated that flying disc has long been known domestically.

However, its growth remains limited as the player community is dominated by international school students, resulting in uneven distribution. (Antara)