Dubai has successfully concluded the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, delivering one of the most inspiring and memorable editions in the history of the continental event. The Games celebrated youth, excellence, and inclusion, reinforcing Dubai’s growing reputation as a global hub for major sporting events.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Games welcomed 1,500 athletes from 35 nations. Young competitors showcased extraordinary talent and determination across multiple Para sports disciplines.
The Games officially concluded on Saturday evening, marking the end of a landmark edition defined by exceptional athletic performances. A total of 25 records were broken during the competition, including nine world records and 16 continental records, underlining the rising standard of youth Para sport across Asia.
The United Arab Emirates delivered an impressive overall performance on home soil. The host nation finished the Games with 23 medals, comprising six gold, eight silver, and nine bronze medals. The results highlighted the UAE’s continued investment in Para sport development and its commitment to nurturing young athletic talent.
Several participating nations celebrated historic breakthroughs during the Games. Bangladesh and the Maldives both won their first-ever medals at the Asian Youth Para Games. Bangladesh made a particularly remarkable debut, securing three gold medals and announcing its arrival as an emerging force in youth Para sport.
Uzbekistan emerged as the dominant nation of the Games, topping the overall medals table. The Central Asian nation collected an extraordinary 197 medals, including 99 gold. Iran followed closely with 216 total medals, 62 of them gold, while Japan finished third with 40 gold medals.
These performances reflected the growing depth and competitiveness of Para sport across Asia. The medal standings demonstrated how investment in grassroots development and youth programs is translating into elite performances on the continental stage.
Beyond athletic achievements, Dubai 2025 marked a technological milestone for the Asian Youth Para Games. For the first time in the event’s history, AI-powered robots were integrated into Games operations and delivery. The robots appeared during the opening ceremony and assisted in medal presentations.
Organisers said the innovative technology enhanced accessibility and athlete engagement, while also showcasing Dubai’s vision of combining sport with advanced digital solutions. The initiative was widely praised as a forward-looking step for inclusive sporting events.
The closing ceremony brought together athletes, officials, and volunteers in a celebratory parade of nations. A special handover moment symbolised continuity, as the Games flag was officially passed to Cambodia, host of the sixth edition of the Asian Youth Para Games, and received by Borus Samheng.
Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, hailed Dubai 2025 as one of the finest editions ever delivered. He commended the UAE’s leadership, the Dubai Sports Council, the Local Organising Committee, and all partners for setting new organisational and sporting standards.
With record-breaking performances, historic first medals, technological innovation, and powerful human stories, Dubai 2025 has firmly set a new benchmark. The Games reinforced Asia’s commitment to empowering the next generation of Para athletes and advancing inclusion through sport.