Dubai is poised to host the Asian Youth Para Games for an unprecedented second time in December 2025, marking a significant milestone in para sports history. The event will welcome 1,500 exceptional young athletes representing 35 nations—the largest participation ever recorded in the competition’s history.
From December 10-13, world-class venues across Dubai will host competitions across 11 para sports disciplines. The games will feature both established events including Para athletics, swimming, boccia, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, goalball, badminton, wheelchair basketball, and taekwondo, alongside the historic debut of Para Armwrestling on the continental stage.
Iran will field the largest contingent with 195 athletes, building on their dominant performance at the previous edition in Bahrain 2021 where they secured 51 gold medals. The host nation UAE will be represented by 55 athletes, demonstrating the country’s growing commitment to para sports development.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for December 10 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Stadium. The event operates under the patronage of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.
At a recent press conference at the Dubai Sports Council, organizers unveiled more than 40 sponsors and partners. Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the symbolic timing of the event, noting its coincidence with the 54th UAE National Day celebrations. He highlighted how the games reflect the nation’s organizational capabilities and commitment to excellence across all fields.
The 2025 edition builds upon Dubai’s successful hosting of the games in 2017, further cementing the emirate’s reputation as a global hub for para sports excellence and inclusive athletic development.