. Over 1,500 young para-athletes from 45 countries are expected to compete across 11 disciplines, including para athletics, para swimming, para powerlifting, para archery, para table tennis, para taekwondo, para badminton, para arm wrestling, wheelchair basketball, goalball, and boccia.
According to the latest coordination meeting held at the Ministry of Sports and Youth in Tehran, chaired by Minister Dr. Ahmad Donyamali, Iran will send its largest-ever delegation—comprising 201 athletes—to this competition. This marks the country’s most extensive participation in the history of the Asian Youth Para Games.
Iran, the defending champion from the previous edition held in Manama in 2021, aims to retain its top position. In that event, Team Iran won 44 gold, 53 silver, and 25 bronze medals, topping the medal table ahead of Japan and Thailand. Iran had also finished runner-up in the 2009 Tokyo, 2013 Kuala Lumpur, and 2017 Dubai editions.
More than 130 preparatory training camps have been held across the disciplines, ensuring the athletes’ full readiness. Athletics (para athletics) represents Iran’s largest contingent with 63 competitors, given that this discipline historically contributes nearly half of Iran’s overall medal tally in international para events.
During the meeting, team officials discussed logistical and financial needs, particularly regarding equipment for athletes with disabilities. Minister Donyamali pledged full support to meet these requirements. Furthermore, a new national initiative — the Olympiad of Talented Disabled and Impaired Athletes — was approved, to be organized under the supervision of the Federation of Sports for the Disabled and Veterans across the country later this year.
