The Asian Youth Paralympic Games – Dubai 2025 have officially opened in Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, inaugurated the Games. Sheikh Mansour commended the young athletes for showcasing the future of the Asian Paralympic movement and reaffirmed Dubai’s long-standing position as a leading centre for sport for people of determination. The Games, being held from 10 to 12 December at eight world-class venues in Dubai, reinforce the city’s status as a global hub for inclusivity and excellence in Paralympic sports, following the city’s successful hosting of the 2017 edition.
During the opening ceremony, His Highness honoured Her Excellency Shakhnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in recognition of her contributions to supporting sports for people with disabilities. He also commended volunteers, partners, and sponsors for their vital contributions. Following this, His Excellency Majid Al-Otaibi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, highlighted the passion and inspirational spirit of the young athletes. The Games in Dubai serve as a vital platform to shape a brighter future for the continent’s emerging Paralympic talent.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Sports, the Director General of the Dubai Community Development Authority, and the Minister of Women, Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development from the State of Sarawak, Malaysia. Also present were leaders from various national and international sports committees and federations.
The opening ceremony was highlighted by a parade featuring athletes carrying their respective national flags. He applauded the innovative use of artificial intelligence in event management, emphasising that it reflected a bold and forward-looking approach to sports for people of determination. The anthem of the Asian Paralympic Committee was sung, followed by the official oath taken by an athlete and a referee, affirming the Games’ overarching values of integrity and respect.
A cultural showcase featured a performance by Emirati artist Eyadah Al Menhali, paying tribute to the determination and achievements of the athletes. The evening concluded with a message of gratitude to all participants, affirming that the journey for young Asian Paralympic athletes has begun in Dubai with ambition and excellence defining their accomplishments. He noted that Dubai 2025 marks the biggest edition in the history of the Games, with 1,500 athletes from 35 countries participating.
The Games will see athletes competing for top honours in 11 sports, including athletics, swimming, boccia, and table tennis. A notable feature is the extensive integration of artificial intelligence into event operations and organisation. During the ceremony, the Chairman of the Organising Committee expressed gratitude for the support received and highlighted the motivation to deliver a successful event despite the limited timeframe. A promotional video followed, showcasing the irrepressible spirit and youthful energy of the athletes.
