Dubai, Dec 16: Team India concluded the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai with an impressive haul of 56 medals, including 19 golds, reflecting the skill, determination, and spirit of the nation’s young para-athletes.
The fifth edition of the Games, 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, brought together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations. This landmark event saw 25 records broken, including 9 world records and 16 continental records, highlighting the rising standards of Para sport across Asia.
In a historic moment, Bangladesh and the Maldives won their first ever medals at the Games, with Bangladesh making a remarkable debut by securing three golds. The UAE also delivered a strong performance, finishing with 23 medals (6 gold, 8 silver, 9 bronze), reflecting their growing investment in youth Para sports.
Uzbekistan topped the overall medal tally with 197 medals, including 99 golds, followed by Iran with 62 golds from 216 medals, and Japan with 40 golds, underlining the continent’s depth of emerging talent.
India’s standout performances included Baby Sahana Ravi, who clinched gold in the Class SF-9 (Under 23) category of Para Table Tennis, defeating the Philippines’ Lhey Marie Manginsay in straight sets. Vishwa Vijay Tambe added a silver in the Class SM-10 category after a tough battle with Korea DPR’s Kwang Nam So.
The Games featured 11 sports disciplines archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, goalball, powerlifting, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, and armwrestling offering a competitive platform for young para athletes from across Asia. India fielded a 99-member contingent (61 men and 38 women) across eight sports, supported by expert coaches, physiotherapists, and mentors, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity in sports.
Adding a modern twist, Dubai 2025 integrated AI-powered robots into Games operations, including the opening ceremony and medal presentations, enhancing accessibility and engagement for athletes and spectators alike.
The Asian Youth Para Games 2025 celebrated the determination, talent, and resilience of young athletes, providing a stage where each medal tells a story of strength, inclusion, and inspiration.