Young women take spotlight as AYPG 2025 crowns first champions

The first day of medal events at the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) opened with a powerful statement: the future of women’s Para sport is here, and it is extraordinary.

The Dubai Club for People of Determination Hall was electrified as young women lifters delivered performances filled with strength, courage, and ambition and, for many, their first-ever international podium finish.

These athletes are not just than medallists. They are the new face of women’s Para sport, inspiring an entire generation watching from the stands, from home, and from across Asia.

At just 16 years old, Mahdiyeh Ehsani of Iran manifested her way into continental stardom, winning gold in the 45kg rookie category. Competing in her first international event, she carried both nerves and determination onto the stage.

“I was really stressed and anxious,” she said, “but I trusted my coach. And that trust carried me to a victory I had dreamed about countless times.

“I always imagined getting a medal before I went to sleep.”

Her win was emotional not only for herself, but for the entire Iranian team: “I’m happy that I could earn the medal for my country, and I’m very excited that the rest of the team earned medals too.”

Ehsani dedicated her gold to the people who supported her in her journey so far. “I want to dedicate it to her family.”

Another standout performance came from 18-year-old Zahra Pouladi Jarfi from Iran, who also secured gold in the 41kg NextGen category, proudly marking the first gold medal for Team Iran at AYPG 2025.

“I am happy to earn the first gold medal for the Iran team,” she said. “I hope I can earn more medals in the future and take bigger steps and bring pride to my country.”

For Pouladi Jarfi, competing internationally for the first time and doing so under pressure made the victory even more meaningful. “According to the challenges and the hard weight I went through, the medal is the sweetest thing for me and the worthiest thing in my entire life.”

Her confidence on the platform was unshakable: “I had my full confidence on the stage. My stress was low, and everything was okay.”

She also shared how her teammates reacted when they learned she would compete in Dubai:

“Every single friend was happy for me; they cheered for me. I wish for my friends that they can earn medals as well.”

As she lifted her medal proudly, she dedicated it to the person who shaped her journey:

“Today is World Mother’s Day, and I want to give my medal to my mother.”

Uzbekistan’s Sultonposhsha Bardieva, also just 16 years old, claimed gold in the 41kg Rookie category with a lift of 55kg, marking an incredible international debut.

Although she admitted she “was very worried” during the competition, her determination carried her across the finish line and onto the top of the podium. She also shared honestly that she “did not really” imagine she would win an international medal at such a young age.

Her victory, she said, is for the people who believed in her most:

“I want to dedicate this medal to her coach and family.” All these athletes’ stories, filled with hope, confidence, surprises and family pride, signal a bright and unstoppable future for women’s Para sport in Asia.

Para swimming, Para badminton, boccia, goalball, Para table tennis and Wheelchair basketball were the other sports that opened the 5th Asian Youth Para Games on Wednesday.