The competitions at the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games concluded with several young athletes marking an impressive start to their international journeys, while others finished the season with continued success on the continental stage.
Archery returned to the event programme for the first time since Kuala Lumpur 2013, delivering high-quality performances across all categories.
In a contest between newcomers, 17-year-old Luo Jiawenn claimed his first international title in style, defeating Jhongo Pahan in straight sets in the recurve men’s final. The victory also served as redemption for Luo after an earlier loss to Pahan in the mixed team event.
“This is my first international event and I played two finals – I couldn’t be happier,” said Pahan, who paired with Bhawna Bhawna to win mixed team gold. “I never thought I would come this far and play in big events like this. I learned a lot from these Games. I felt nervous initially but gained confidence gradually.”
In the recurve women’s final, Korea’s Kwon Hayeon produced a clinical performance to defeat India’s Bhawna 7-1, continuing her strong form this season after winning team gold at the Gwangju 2025 World Archery Para Championships.
China’s Bao Yirui wrapped up his season in style, securing two gold medals, including his first at the Asian Youth Para Games. The compound men’s team silver medallist at the world championships defeated Thailand’s Satsue Sitthidet 144-139 to claim the compound men’s title.
In the compound women’s final, India’s Sweta Bhaskar Kove opened with a perfect 30, maintained her lead throughout, and won 143-139 against China’s Yong Hui.
“When I was coming to Dubai, I promised myself that I would return with at least one medal,” Kove said. “I wanted to make my mother and my country proud.”
In the W1 category, China’s top seed Wang Liya continued her impressive form following her debut at the Gwangju worlds, overcoming compatriot Fang Linghui in a thrilling shoot-off. Tied at 142 after Linghui rallied with a perfect 30 in the final end, Wang sealed victory with a 10 in the second shot of the tie-break.
“I never thought I would become a champion at this event,” Wang said. “When I came here, I was very nervous. But in the end, I did it. I’m very happy and excited.”
The Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, which concluded on Sunday, showcased the next generation of archery stars to shine on the international scene.
Winners: Asian Youth Para Games 2025
Full results are available on the event page.
- Recurve men: Luo Jiawen, China
- Recurve women: Kwon Hayeon, Korea
- Compound men: Bao Yirui, China
- Compound women: Sweta Bhaskar Kove, India
- W1 women; Wang Liya, China
