Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games sets new benchmark
More than 1,000 athletes competed in Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, which took place from 10-14 December 2025 07 Jan 2026
Dubai 2025 was one of the most unforgettable editions of the Asian Youth Para Games, bringing together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations in December 2025 in a celebration of youth, excellence and inclusion.
For the second time since 2017, Dubai welcomed the region's young Para athletes, underlining its growing role as a hub for Para sport in Asia. Over four action-packed days, the Asian Youth Para Games witnessed 25 record-breaking performances, including nine world records and 16 continental records.
Dubai 2025, which took place from 10-13 December 2025, showcased unprecedented continental depth, with 30 nations claiming at least one medal and 25 securing gold, six more than at Bahrain 2021. The results reflect the rapid growth and competitiveness of youth Para sport across Asia.
Memorable performances and historic firsts
The United Arab Emirates delivered an outstanding performance on home soil, finishing with 24 medals - seven gold, eight silver and nine bronze.
Several nations celebrated historic milestones in Dubai. Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games, marking breakthrough moments for both nations.
Bangladesh made a stunning debut, capturing four medals, including three gold in Para athletics and Para swimming.
The Maldives also celebrated progress, securing a bronze medal in Para swimming in its second appearance.
Medal table highlights
Uzbekistan topped the overall medals table, finishing with 254 medals, including 125 gold, a huge increase from its previous tally of 18 medals, including 11 gold.
The Islamic Republic of Iran followed with 73 gold medals (261 medals), while Japan finished third with a total of 90 medals, including 48 gold.
Para armwrestling was included in the programme for the first time, with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan dominating the discipline by winning eight and seven gold medals, respectively.
Meet Asia's young stars
Dubai 2025 featured some of Asia’s leading Para athletes. Para taekwondo athlete Zahra Rahimi of Iran, who won silver in the women’s -52kg K44 event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, and Para table tennis player Chen Po-Yen of Chinese Taipei, who is ranked World No.1 in class 11, finished on the podium in Dubai.
Dubai 2025 also set new standards for innovation, becoming the first Asian Youth Para Games to integrate AI-powered robots into operations and delivery, including during ceremonies and medal presentations.
Dreams fulfilled
The Closing Ceremony on 14 December was a vibrant spectacle, featuring a Parade of Nations and the symbolic handover of the flag to Cambodia, host of the next edition in 2029.
Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasising that Dubai 2025 was more than a sporting event – it was a journey of inspiration, unity and dreams fulfilled. He also praised the volunteers as heroes of the event.
Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered, commending the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee and all partners involved.
With record-breaking performances, historic firsts and inspiring human stories, Dubai 2025 set a new benchmark for the Asian Youth Para Games. The Games highlighted Asia’s growing strength and shared commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes.
