Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Paralympic Games Opened by Sheikh Mansoor
<p>Dubai once again proved its global leadership in inclusive sports as Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated the Asian Youth Paralympic Games – Dubai 2025. Held on December 10, the ceremony marked the beginning of the largest and most ambitious edition of the Games to date. With <strong>1,500 young Paralympic athletes representing 35 countries</strong>, this year’s event stands as a milestone in the region’s sports history and a significant step forward for the Paralympic community across Asia.</p><p>The official opening took place at the Dubai Club for People of Determination, where senior officials, international sports leaders, and media representatives gathered to witness the historic moment. Sheikh Mansoor, who serves as the President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, emphasized the UAE’s ongoing commitment to supporting people of determination and advancing opportunities for young athletes.</p><h3><strong>A Record-Breaking Paralympic Event</strong></h3><p>The 2025 edition surpasses previous years in both size and scope. Athletes will compete across <strong>11 major sports</strong>, including athletics, swimming, powerlifting, table tennis, archery, boccia, goalball, badminton, wheelchair basketball, arm wrestling, and taekwondo.</p><p>To host these competitions, Dubai has prepared <strong>eight advanced sporting venues</strong>, each equipped with modern facilities that meet international Paralympic standards. This large-scale preparation demonstrates Dubai’s vision to become a global centre for inclusive, accessible, and high-quality sporting events.</p><h3><strong>Innovation Through Artificial Intelligence</strong></h3><p>A key highlight of Dubai 2025 is the strong integration of <strong>artificial intelligence</strong> in event coordination and management. AI is being used for scheduling, athlete tracking, logistics, accessibility enhancements, and real-time performance analysis. This forward-looking approach sets a new benchmark for how large sporting events can operate efficiently while improving the athlete and spectator experience.</p><p>The adoption of AI technology reflects Dubai’s futuristic mindset and dedication to using innovation to uplift communities—particularly people of determination.</p><h3><strong>Honouring Global Champions of Inclusion</strong></h3><p>The opening ceremony also featured a moment of recognition as <strong>Shakhnoza Shavkatovna Mirziyoyeva</strong>, First Deputy Director of the National Agency for Social Protection under the President of Uzbekistan, was honoured for her work in empowering individuals with disabilities. Her contribution to developing support systems for Paralympic athletes received warm applause from the audience.</p><h3><strong>A Spirit of Unity and Inspiration</strong></h3><p>The ceremony began with a vibrant parade of nations. Athletes walked proudly behind their national flags, representing their countries with determination and hope. This was followed by an inspiring promotional film showcasing the dedication, resilience, and dreams of the competing athletes.</p><p>Majid Al-Otaibi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, praised the extraordinary energy and passion of the youth athletes. He highlighted that Dubai 2025 stands as the <strong>biggest Asian Youth Paralympic Games in history</strong>, not only in numbers but also in innovation and accessibility. He applauded Dubai’s efforts and the effective use of AI, calling it a transformative step for future Paralympic events.</p><h3><strong>Acknowledgments and Closing Moments</strong></h3><p>Thani Jumaa Al-Riqad, Chairman of the Organising Committee, expressed deep appreciation for the volunteers, partners, and sponsors who made the event possible. He noted that their hard work and dedication play a vital role in creating a seamless and memorable experience for every athlete and attendee.</p><p>The opening concluded with the Asian Paralympic Committee anthem, followed by the traditional athlete and referee oaths. A cultural performance by Emirati artist Eyadah Al Menhali added a local artistic touch to the ceremony, celebrating the UAE’s rich heritage.</p><h3><strong>A New Chapter for Paralympic Youth in Asia</strong></h3><p>With Dubai hosting its largest Paralympic event yet, the Games aim to inspire a new generation of athletes and strengthen the Paralympic movement across the continent. Dubai’s dedication to inclusivity, combined with cutting-edge technology and world-class sporting facilities, positions the 2025 Games as a powerful symbol of what is possible when innovation and compassion come together.</p><p>The Asian Youth Paralympic Games – Dubai 2025 is not just a sporting event—it is a celebration of human strength, unity, and limitless potential.</p>