Teen Athletes Shine at Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai
The 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai opened with extraordinary energy, and it was the teenage girls of Asia who set the stage ablaze. On the very first day, young female athletes from Iran, Uzbekistan, and other nations delivered performances that left the crowd inspired and established them as rising stars in the world of Para sport. Their strength, resilience, and confidence marked a powerful beginning to what promises to be one of the most memorable editions of the Games.
The competitions began at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Hall, a venue filled with excitement, anticipation, and cheering supporters. As the athletes performed, the hall transformed into a celebration of determination and possibility. Young women stepped forward in events such as powerlifting with remarkable courage, many of them competing internationally for the first time. Their achievements became statements of empowerment, proving that age is no barrier when passion meets opportunity.
A Golden Debut for Mahdiyeh Ehsani
One of the most emotional and impactful performances came from 16-year-old Mahdiyeh Ehsani of Iran, who secured gold in the 45kg Rookie category. Stepping into the international arena for the first time, Mahdiyeh battled nerves and pressure but maintained sharp focus throughout her performance.
She later shared the emotional journey behind her success. “I was stressed and anxious,” she admitted, “but I trusted my coach. That trust helped me achieve a victory I had imagined so many times.”
Every night before sleeping, she had dreamt of this moment — standing proudly with a medal around her neck. Her win was a moment of collective joy for her team, family, and country. With deep gratitude, she dedicated her gold medal to her family, acknowledging their support as the foundation of her triumph.
Zahra Pouladi Jarfi Wins Iran’s First Gold of AYPG 2025
Another standout athlete was 18-year-old Zahra Pouladi Jarfi, who claimed gold in the 41kg NextGen category. Her achievement marked the first gold medal for Team Iran at the Games this year — a symbolic and emotional milestone for her delegation.
Zahra expressed overwhelming happiness, saying, “I am proud to win the first gold medal for Iran. I hope I can take bigger steps in the future and continue bringing pride to my country.”
Competing outside Iran for the first time gave special meaning to her victory. The weight she lifted, both physically and emotionally, made the medal “the sweetest and most precious achievement” of her life.
Her confidence never faltered on stage. She revealed that her stress levels were low and her mindset was strong — factors that played a key role in her success. Zahra also spoke fondly about her friends, who encouraged her endlessly when they heard she was traveling to Dubai. “Every friend was happy and cheering for me,” she said. With gratitude, she dedicated her medal to her mother, saying, “Today is World Mother’s Day, and I want to give my medal to my mother.”
A Remarkable International Debut for Uzbekistan’s Sultonposhsha Bardieva
The celebration of excellence continued with 16-year-old Sultonposhsha Bardieva from Uzbekistan, who captured gold in the 41kg Rookie category. Her winning lift of 55kg showcased not only physical strength but also exceptional mental resilience.
Sultonposhsha admitted that she was very anxious before the competition and had never imagined winning an international medal at such a young age. But the atmosphere of the Games and the encouragement from her team helped her channel her determination into a winning performance.
Her gold medal is a testament to her hard work, discipline, and dedication. She credited her success to the unwavering support of her coach and family, to whom she proudly dedicated her medal.
A New Generation Transforming Para Sport
The first day of the Asian Youth Para Games – Dubai 2025 sent a clear message: the future of women’s Para sport is bright, bold, and inspiring. These teenage girls are not only competitors — they are role models for young athletes across Asia. Their achievements reflect the power of opportunity, the importance of inclusivity, and the limitless potential of youth in sports.
As the Games continue, their victories will echo far beyond the arena, encouraging more girls with determination to step forward, dream big, and redefine what is possible.
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