Dubai, Dec 5 (NationPress) Dubai is preparing to host the Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) for the second time, bringing together 1,500 young Para athletes from 35 nations, marking the highest participation in the event's history, to compete in 11 sports.

After successfully organizing the Games in 2017, the 2025 edition will take place from December 10-13 across eight world-class venues, further solidifying Dubai's reputation as a premier destination for Para sports.

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for December 10 at the Dubai Club for People of Determination Stadium, with all arrangements in place for an outstanding continental event, held under the auspices of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council.

Participants will engage in para athletics, para swimming, boccia, para powerlifting, para table tennis, para archery, goalball, para badminton, wheelchair basketball, para taekwondo, and para armwrestling, which will make its debut in this edition.

Among the competing nations, Iran, who topped the previous edition in Bahrain 2021 with 51 gold medals, will send the largest contingent with 195 athletes, showcasing their commitment to youth development and excellence in Para sports.

Uzbekistan (124), Thailand (122), and India (122) will also send sizable teams, as confirmed by the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC).

The hosts, the UAE, will participate with 55 athletes, reflecting the growth of Para sports in the nation and the dedication of organizations like the Asian Paralympic Committee and the Dubai Club for People of Determination to foster inclusion in the region.

This announcement was made at a press conference on Thursday held at the Dubai Sports Council, where over 40 sponsors and partners were introduced. The event was attended by Saeed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; Thani Juma Berregad, Chairman of the Organising Committee; and Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee.

Saeed Hareb commended the efforts of the Organising Committee and event sponsors. “We are thrilled that Dubai’s hosting of this major sporting event coincides with our national celebrations of the 54th UAE National Day - a day symbolizing the unity between our leadership and our people, and commemorating a journey characterized by excellence and achievement in all domains.

“Hosting this international sporting event for the second time - following the success of the inaugural edition in 2017 - reaffirms the UAE’s remarkable organizational capabilities, the global confidence in us, and the talent of our citizens, which continues to shine through in all events we organize.”