Did India Triumph with 56 Medals at the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Team India achieved an impressive total of 56 medals at the Games.
- Bangladesh made a historic debut by winning three gold medals.
- 25 records were shattered, showcasing the rising standard of Para sports in Asia.
- The inclusion of AI-powered robots added a new dimension to the Games.
- India's participation reflects a commitment to sports inclusion and equal opportunities.
Dubai, Dec 15 (NationPress) As the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games came to a close, Team India achieved a remarkable feat by securing 56 medals, which included 19 gold medals. This edition of the Games saw several nations, including Bangladesh and the Maldives, celebrate their first-ever medal wins, with Bangladesh making a stunning debut by clinching three gold medals.
Under the auspices of Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, the Games brought together 1,500 athletes from 35 nations, celebrating youth, excellence, and inclusion.
The event concluded on Saturday evening, marking a significant milestone as it witnessed the breaking of 25 records, including 9 world records and 16 continental records, showcasing the rising standards of Para sports across Asia.
The UAE had a commendable performance, finishing the Games with 23 medals — 6 gold, 8 silver, and 9 bronze — which highlights their ongoing commitment to the development of youth Para sports.
Uzbekistan led the overall medals tally with a total of 197 medals, including 99 gold, followed closely by the Islamic Republic of Iran with 62 gold among their 216 medals, and Japan with 40 gold, emphasizing the depth of emerging talent across the region.
Notably, the Dubai 2025 edition marked a historic first, integrating AI-powered robots into the Games' operations and delivery. These robots were featured during the opening ceremony and assisted in medal presentations, adding a human-centered dimension that enhanced both accessibility and athlete engagement.
In a remarkable achievement, Baby Sahana Ravi secured a gold medal in the Class SF-9 (Under 23) category of Para Table Tennis, triumphing over the Philippines’ Lhey Marie Manginsay in straight sets. Her victory not only highlights her dedication but also signifies India’s rising stature in international para table tennis.
Vishwa Vijay Tambe contributed to India’s medal tally with a silver in the Class SM-10 category after a closely contested match against Kwang Nam So from Korea DPR. Although he narrowly missed the gold, Tambe's performance showcased remarkable determination, strategy, and competitive spirit, earning praise from fans and coaches.
The Asian Youth Para Games 2025 marks the fifth edition of this esteemed continental event, featuring competitions across 11 sports disciplines — archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, goalball, powerlifting, swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, wheelchair basketball, and armwrestling — bringing together the finest young para-athletes from Asia.
India's delegation consisted of 99 members, comprising 61 men and 38 women participating across eight sports disciplines. This participation reflects the nation’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity in sports. With the support of expert coaches, physiotherapists, and mentors, these young athletes have demonstrated exceptional progress.
The Asian Youth Para Games 2025 serves as a celebration of the spirit of young para-athletes from across Asia, uniting them through competition, determination, and inspiration. It is a platform where talent meets opportunity, and every victory tells a story of strength and inclusion.