The United Arab Emirates celebrated a beautiful and emotional moment as 15-year-old Humaid Alblooshi won the first gold medal for the nation at the Dubai 2025 Asian Para Youth Games. Competing in the discus throw F32, Humaid delivered a performance full of strength, joy, and heart – right in front of his home crowd that included his mother.
Right after his victory, Humaid was glowing with happiness:
“I feel excited, happy and relaxed. I’m not stressed at all,” he said as his proud mother patted on his back.
He also showed great sportsmanship and respect, adding:
“My opponent was very good. Uzbekistan gave me a big challenge. I wish him the best.”
Even though he won gold at just 15, Humaid said that for him, the experience matters most:
“For me, participating is more important. If I get a medal, it’s good. If I don’t, it’s fine. Being part of the competition is what matters.”
But today, he earned both – a wonderful experience and a well-deserved gold medal.
Dubai 2025 is Humaid’s first Asian Para Youth Games. Earlier this year, he had competed at the 2025 WorldAbility Sport Games and brought home two golds and one bronze.
This gold medal means a lot to him: “This is my first Asian Para Youth Games gold and winning it in my country makes it very important. I dedicate this medal to my mother, my family, my coaches, and my whole country.”
His mother shared how hard he works every day – balancing school, therapy, and training with so much passion.
Much like his mother, Humaid’s coach, Tvan Sharjhan was delighted with his ward’s performance at this continental event.
“Humaid has been very focused and a quick learner. He has just trained for three-four months for this event and delivered exceptional results.”
A Proud moment for UAE Para sport
The President of the UAE Paralympic Committee Mohammed Fadel Al Hameli called Humaid’s victory a big step forward for young Para athletes in the country: “These young athletes now have a chance to prove themselves and emerge as champions.”
He added that the UAE is investing deeply in youth development:
“We have around 50 young athletes. This is part of our long-term plan – finding and supporting the champions of the future. This becomes a launchpad for young Emirati athletes toward the Paralympics.”
Humaid has big dreams for both school and sport.
“I have two goals – one for school and one for sports. I want to become a computer or software engineer. And in sports, I want to be a Paralympic medallist.”
Humaid shared a powerful message for the young athletes, straight from the heart:
“Be yourself. You don’t need anything special – just relax and be you. If you are not yourself, you don’t know anything. But if you are yourself, you know everything. You are smart, kind, one of a kind. And never, never, never in your life give up. Keep trying.”
At just 15, Humaid is already a national icon – and a shining example of the bright future of Para Sport in the UAE. Humaid Alblooshi’s victory will be remembered for years to come – not only as the UAE’s first gold at the Dubai 2025 Asian Para Youth Games, but as the moment a young athlete with a big smile and even bigger dreams showed the power of courage and belief.
