Philippine Athletes Secure Early Medals at 2025 Asian Youth Para Games in Dubai

Team Philippines opened their campaign impressively at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games held at the Hamdan Sports Complex in Dubai. Para swimmers Raemond Adefuin and Mary Hannah Diesto delivered early success by securing gold and silver medals, respectively.

Fifteen-year-old Adefuin triumphed in the boys 12-16 50-meter butterfly multi-class S2-7, finishing with a time of 35.84 seconds. He outpaced Indonesia's Komang Aditya Pradnyana, who clocked 45.40 seconds, and Japan's Ryuga Yamada, who finished in 46.39 seconds. Reflecting on his achievement, Adefuin shared, "It's a big victory for me because I beat my personal best of 36 seconds. I'm grateful for my coaches and teammates who supported me in this endeavor."

Mary Hannah Diesto earned the silver medal in the girls 12-15 200m freestyle multi-class S1-S5 category with a time of 2:51.95, finishing behind gold medalist Siti Aisyah of Indonesia (2:26.50). Malaysia's Asyiil Raziin Binti Razman took bronze with 2:52.03.

In wheelchair basketball, the Filipino team showcased resilience by winning their first three matches, advancing confidently to the quarterfinals at the Al Ahli Club. The Nationals began with a commanding 14-6 victory over Saudi Arabia, followed by a narrow 10-9 win against hosts UAE. They then edged past Thailand 13-12 in overtime, thanks to Edgardo Ochaves' decisive last basket. Ochaves was instrumental throughout, leading the team with 11 points. Head coach Vernon Perea highlighted their defensive commitment, stating, "We stuck to our game plan, especially with our defense."

At the Dubai Club for People of Determination, para table tennis players Ramces Tuala and Lhey Manginsay made strong starts in their respective categories. Tuala, competing in the men's U23 singles Class 8, overcame initial nerves to record victories against Iran's Arsham Ramazani and Singapore's Jayden Low. "At first I was nervous, but eventually I was able to get my composure even in the crucial moments," said the 22-year-old on his Games debut. Meanwhile, Manginsay bested Iran's Amirali Ahmadi in the women's U23 singles Class 9.

Other table tennis players, Zidrez Dela Cruz and Vroxzield Cabanero, faced tough losses against competitors from India, Kazakhstan, and Chinese Taipei.

In goalball, the Filipino squad experienced a setback with a 10-4 loss to South Korea in Pool D.

Looking ahead, the 10-member para athletics contingent is set to compete, with seven athletes already participating at the time of reporting. The team aims to secure podium finishes through competitors such as RJ Brucal in the men's U17 long jump T20; the trio of Mark Lorence Suarez, Jolly Poquiz, and John Reyl Diano in the men's U20 long jump T20; Kyle Macey Norte in the men's U17 200 meters T11; Charmel Bada in the women's U17 long jump T20; and Cedric Sario in the men's U20 high jump T42.

The Philippines' early accomplishments underscore their determination and potential as the Asian Youth Para Games progress.