Bangkok: The Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) is preparing to send the Thai national youth para-athletes to compete in the Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.
According to Thai News Agency, the Thai athletes are set to participate in the 5th Asian Youth Para Games, which will take place from December 7-14, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The team aims to secure 32 gold medals out of the 11 sports categories, including archery, weightlifting, athletics, badminton, and more.
Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, the Governor of SAT, announced the readiness of the Thai national youth para-athletes for the event. Collaborating with the Paralympic Committee of Thailand, the Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand, and other related sports associations, the preparations have been thorough. These efforts are expected to yield 32 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 14 bronze medals across various sports categories.
The Thai youth para-athletes are particularly hopeful in athletics, aiming for 11 gold medals, and in table tennis, with expectations of 6 gold medals. Other sports where they anticipate success include weightlifting, boccia, swimming, badminton, taekwondo, and more. The athletes have shown promise in both arms and legs categories, as well as intelligence and brain categories.
The Asian Youth Para Games serve as a platform for young athletes with disabilities, following the Asian Youth Games. Previously hosted in Japan, Malaysia, the UAE, and Bahrain, the event has seen Thailand perform well. In the past editions, Thai athletes have consistently ranked first in ASEAN. During the last games in Bahrain, they secured 33 gold medals, placing second overall. The SAT is optimistic about the team's performance in the upcoming games.