Dubai hosts record Asian Youth Paralympic Games with 1,500 athletes
Opening ceremony honours Uzbek official for disability sport contributions
DUBAI – Dubai has launched the biggest edition of the Asian Youth Paralympic Games as His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the 2025 tournament in a ceremony that highlights the emirate’s position as a global centre for sport for people of determination.
The Games bring together 1,500 athletes from 35 countries, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. Spread across eight venues from 10 to 13 December, the event marks another milestone for Dubai after hosting the Games in 2017.
The opening ceremony, held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, drew senior officials, sports leaders, and ambassadors from participating nations. It also celebrated international cooperation in strengthening youth participation across Paralympic sport.
Asian Youth Paralympic Games
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mansoor honoured Shakhnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan and First Deputy Chairperson of the National Paralympic Committee of Uzbekistan. She is also the daughter of the President of Uzbekistan. Her recognition came in acknowledgment of her support for disability-inclusive sport and her role in driving youth initiatives across Asia.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports; Hessa bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of the Community Development Authority in Dubai; and Dato Sri Hajjah Fatimah Abdullah, Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development for the State Government of Sarawak, Malaysia. Their presence highlighted the widespread institutional backing for the Games.
Prominent Paralympic officials also joined the event, including Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee; Sheikh Mohammed bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Member of the International and Asian Paralympic Committees and President of the Bahrain Paralympic Committee; Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Nasser Al Saud, President of the Saudi Table Tennis Federation; Prince Fahad bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee; Khalfan Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; and Fares Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE National Olympic Committee.
Athlete parade
A parade of athletes carrying their national flags opened the official proceedings, followed by a promotional film showcasing the drive, talent, and optimism of the young competitors. The 2025 edition includes athletics, swimming, boccia, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, goalball, badminton, wheelchair basketball, arm wrestling, and taekwondo. With 11 sports represented, the event demonstrates the growing breadth of Paralympic disciplines across the continent.
A significant dimension of this year’s Games is the extensive integration of artificial intelligence within event operations. AI is supporting planning, coordination, scheduling, and logistical workflows, introducing a technological layer that organisers say enhances efficiency and the overall athlete experience.
Thani Jumaa Al Riqad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed appreciation for Sheikh Mansoor’s continued patronage and encouragement. He said the young athletes represent the future of the Asian Paralympic movement and reaffirmed Dubai’s ongoing commitment to hosting major events for people of determination. He added that preparing the Games within a short timeframe had motivated organisers to deliver a dynamic, high-energy environment supported by partners and volunteers.
Majid Al Otaibi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, echoed this sentiment. He highlighted that Dubai 2025 is the largest gathering of young Paralympic athletes in the continent’s history, with 1,500 participants from 35 nations. He also praised the innovative adoption of AI solutions, noting that the forward-looking implementation reflects the region’s strong commitment to modernising sports administration.
Ceremonial traditions
The anthem of the Asian Paralympic Committee was performed during the opening sequence, followed by the athletes’ oath delivered by Mohammed Khalid Taleb and the referees’ oath recited by Tariq Al Ali. Both affirmed key values such as respect, fair play, and integrity.
Cultural performances added to the atmosphere, including a presentation featuring Emirati artist Eyadah Al Menhali with lyrics by poet Ali Al Khowar. The artistic segments highlighted the determination of the athletes while aligning with the event’s broader message of achievement and resilience.
Start of competition
The ceremony concluded with words of appreciation directed at the young athletes, coaches, delegations, and partners. Organisers said the Games offer a vital platform for emerging talent and provide an opportunity for youth across Asia to build competitive experience. As the competitions begin across Dubai’s venues, the city again takes centre stage in the advancement of Paralympic sport in the region.
The next four days will see athletes strive for podium finishes while representing nations spanning East Asia, South Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.