by Galiya Khassenkhanova
It’s published
Over 190 delegates from 45 countries gathered in Astana to discuss the future of parasports.
“We made many important decisions. We discussed the strategic planning chapter, what we achieved, goals, KPIs, and set new strategic goals,” said Majid Rushd, president of the Asia Paralympic Committee (APC).
“For us, this is a platform for listening to new ideas, learning about new sports that are adapted to para-athletes, and knowing medical requirements,” added Kairat Boranbayev, president of Kazakhstan’s National Paralympic Committee and APC Board Member.
Building a stronger Paralympic movement
The APC meets every two years, exchanges ideas, reviews reports, approves allegations and sets strategic directions. This year was the first time an event was held in Central Asia.
“The National Paralympic Committee in Kazakhstan demonstrates its commitment and responsibility for the Paralympic movement. They work very hard and have a strategic plan.
Boranbayev emphasized that Kazakhstan is working to expand the accessibility of sports and increase opportunities for athletes. Each year, the country hosts around 800 para competitions at various levels, involving over 10,000 participants.
Dr. Deepa Malik, a former member of the Paralympian and APC Board of Directors in India, emphasized the importance of legal and policy frameworks to support people with disabilities. India’s Disability Act 2016 identified inclusion as a human right, leading to a rapid increase in para-athletes.
“In the 48 years from 1968 to 2016, we only won 12 medals, but since then we’ve won 48 medals from just two Paralympics,” she said. Malik also highlighted the growing role of women, noting that since 2016, 14 female athletes from India have won Paralympic medals and have won her as a pioneer.
“Sports is one of those gathering people with friendship, peace and a common vision. It creates a sustainable planet. It changes the way you think when people with disabilities appear and demonstrate their capabilities,” she added.
Asia Award 2025 Honorary Athlete
The three-day meeting concluded with the Asia Awards 2025, celebrating athletes and contributors to Parasports across the continent.
The Japanese wheelchair rugby team has received the Best Team Performance Award. The best youth athlete went to his Shengao, a Chinese swimmer. The best male athletes went to Jordanian powerlifter Abdelkareem Hattab, while the best female athletes went to Hong Kong’s Boccia (precision ball sports) player Huienkei.
“It’s my honor to be able to win this top female athlete award. It makes a lot of sense to me. It’s not just about my personal journey, but about the people who helped me along the way,” said Ho Yuen Kei.
The Paris 2024 Paralympics won two gold medals before establishing the charity association in Hong Kong, helping people with disabilities participate in the sport.
Looking forward to the upcoming Asian Para Games
APC is currently preparing for the Aichi – Nagoya 2026 Asian Para Games in Japan and the 5th Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai.
The United Arab Emirates Paralympic Committee invited athletes and spectators to participate in Youth Para Games in December 2025. There, 1,783 athletes from 31 countries compete in 11 sports.