Dubai: UAE will host the fifth edition of the Asian Youth Para Games from 7 to 14 December 2025, the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) confirmed on Friday. The city was awarded the hosting rights after Tashkent, the original host, pulled out of organising the event a few months ago.

This marks the second time Dubai will stage the games, having previously hosted the event in 2017.

Games vital for para-sport growth in Asia

The announcement comes four months after the APC declared that Tashkent, originally scheduled to host the games in October, was no longer able to fulfil its commitments.

“The Asian Youth Para Games are a vital part of developing the Paralympic Movement in Asia. They give young athletes the chance to get their international classification and to test themselves in a prestigious multi-sport event,” said APC President Majid Rashed in a statement on Friday.

He added, “We are very grateful to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai Sports Council, and the Dubai Club for People of Determination for stepping up to ensure that the fifth edition of the games will go ahead. With their previous experience of hosting the event in 2017 and Dubai’s track record of hosting para-sports events, we are confident that the games will be a huge success.”

Clear goals set for the 2025 edition

The Local Organising Committee has outlined four main aims for the 2025 Games: to promote inclusivity and provide a platform for young athletes with disabilities; to motivate young people with disabilities to engage in sport; to strengthen unity among Asian countries; and to showcase Dubai’s top-level infrastructure and dedication to inclusivity.

Record participation expected

According to the APC, the event is expected to attract between 30 and 40 nations, with approximately 1,350 athletes competing across 10 sports. If the forecast is realised, this will make it the largest edition of the Asian Youth Para Games in terms of both athlete participation and number of countries represented.

The sports set to be included are Para Athletics, Para Swimming, Para Powerlifting, Para Taekwondo, Para Archery, Para Table Tennis, Para Badminton, Wheelchair Basketball, Boccia, and Goalball.

Dubai continues legacy of hosting para-events

Six of the 10 sporting events will be held at the Dubai Club for People of Determination. Dubai has an established reputation in hosting para-sports events, having organised tournaments such as the FAZZA International Para-Athletics Championships and the FAZZA Para-Archery Championships.