Dubai to Host the Asian Youth Para Games 2025
A Major Event for Young Para Athletes
Dubai is gearing up to host the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) for the second time, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history. From December 10 to December 13, 2025, the city will welcome 1,500 young para athletes hailing from 35 different countries. This year’s participation is the largest to date, which highlights the growing interest and commitment to para sports across Asia.
Building on Past Success
Dubai previously hosted the Asian Youth Para Games in 2017, and the upcoming 2025 event promises to build upon that success. Competitions will take place in 11 sports across eight premier venues, a testament to Dubai’s reputation as a leading destination for sporting excellence.
Opening Ceremony
The event’s Opening Ceremony is set for December 10 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Stadium. Preparations are well underway to ensure a world-class experience for both athletes and spectators. The event is being organized under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also the President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
A Diverse Range of Competitions
Athletes will compete in various disciplines, including:
- Para athletics
- Para swimming
- Boccia
- Para powerlifting
- Para table tennis
- Para archery
- Goalball
- Para badminton
- Wheelchair basketball
- Para taekwondo
- Para armwrestling (making its debut at the Games)
This diversity reflects the inclusivity and growth of para sports, providing young athletes with a platform to showcase their talents.
Largest Delegations
Among the participating nations, Iran has confirmed the largest delegation, with 195 athletes set to compete. This follows their success in the last edition of the Games, where they brought home 51 gold medals in Bahrain 2021. Other notable teams include Uzbekistan (124 athletes), Thailand (122 athletes), and India (122 athletes), showcasing a strong commitment from these countries toward youth development in para sports.
The UAE, as the host nation, will have 55 athletes participating, signifying the ongoing support for para sports initiatives in the region and the dedication of organizations like the Asian Paralympic Committee and the Dubai Club for People of Determination.
Sponsorship and Support
The announcement of the Games was made during a press conference held at the Dubai Sports Council. Over 40 sponsors and partners were introduced, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this major event. Present were key figures including Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, and Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee.
Saeed Hareb expressed pride in Dubai’s capability to host such a prestigious event, coinciding with the UAE National Day celebrations. He emphasized that the Games not only reflect unity but also celebrate a journey of achievement across various fields.
A Testament to Organizational Excellence
The upcoming AYPG is not just an opportunity for competition; it also serves as a showcase of the UAE’s organizational capabilities. With a proven track record from the previous event in 2017, Dubai aims to reinforce its status as a leading hub for international sporting events.
Hosting the Asian Youth Para Games will further enhance Dubai’s reputation in the global sports community, signaling a strong commitment to promote inclusion and support for para athletes.
As the date approaches, excitement is building among both athletes and fans, who are eager to witness inspiring performances from some of the brightest young talents in para sports.
