The Asian Paralympic Committee (APC) held its prestigious Asian Awards Ceremony on 13 August 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan, celebrating the region’s most outstanding contributors to the Paralympic Movement. The event took place during a landmark week for the APC, which also included the 2025 Conference and General Assembly.
In an evening filled with emotion, recognition, and pride, the APC honored para-athletes, officials, photographers, teams, and National Paralympic Committees who exemplified excellence, determination, and leadership throughout the last competitive cycle.
Honoring remarkable winners
Yuen Kei Ho – Best Female Athlete
Country: Hong Kong, China
Sport: Boccia (BC3 class)
Yuen Kei Ho is a distinguished boccia athlete from Hong Kong who competes in the BC3 classification.
At the 2024 Paralympic Games, she secured two gold medals in the Women’s BC3 Individual and Mixed Pairs BC3 alongside Tse Tak Wah and became the first and only female athlete to achieve a double gold in boccia.
Abdelkareem Khattab – Best Male Athlete
Country: Jordan
Sport: Paralympic Powerlifting
Abdelkareem Mohmmad Ahmad Khattab, a Jordanian powerlifter, is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist – winning in Tokyo 2020 (men’s 88 kg) and Paris 2024 (men’s 97 kg).
He’s also a multiple-time world champion and record holder, having set world records at the 2021 World Championships and at the Paris 2024 Games with a monumental 270 kg lift.
Shenggao He – Best Youth Athlete
Country: China
Sport: Para Swimming (S5 / SM5 class)
Born in 2005, Shenggao He is a Chinese Paralympic swimmer specializing in the S5/SM5 classification.
At the Paris 2024 Paralympics, she earned gold in the 200m individual medley SM5 and mixed 4 × 50 m freestyle relay (20 pts) and two silver in 50 m butterfly and 50m backstroke S5 events.
Additionally, at the 2023 World Para Swimming Championships, she claimed gold in the mixed 4 × 50 m freestyle relay (20 pts) and the 200 m individual medley SM5, along with silver in the 50 m butterfly S5 and 50 m backstroke S5 .
Japanese Wheelchair Rugby National Team – Best Team Performance
Country: Japan
This award celebrates the Japanese Wheelchair Rugby National Team’s outstanding teamwork, technical excellence, and international achievements. While specific recent results aren’t cited, their recognition reflects consistent high-level performance and prominent presence on the global stage.
Ms. Eunjung Cho – Best Photography
Country: Republic of Korea
Awarded for capturing powerful and emotive images that showcase the passion, resilience, and beauty of Para sport, Eunjung Cho’s photography highlights the human spirit and stories within the Paralympic movement across Asia.
Ms. Zahra Nemati – Exemplary Asian Official
Country: Islamic Republic of Iran
Zahra Nemati was honored for her visionary leadership and deep commitment to advancing the Paralympic Movement. Her efforts have significantly supported governance, athlete advocacy, and visibility for Para sport in Asia.
Korea Paralympic Committee – Outstanding NPC Performance
The Korea Paralympic Committee received recognition for its exceptional role in promoting and developing Para sport both domestically and internationally—through effective support systems, athlete development, and inclusive initiatives.
The prestigious Asian Order was bestowed upon several distinguished individuals for their contributions:
H.H. Prince Fahad bin Jalawi ALSAUD
Country: Saudi Arabia
His Highness Prince Fahad bin Jalawi ALSAUD was honored with the Asian Order for his significant contributions to the growth and promotion of the Paralympic Movement across Asia, reflecting both leadership and philanthropic impact.
Mr. Masayuki Mizuno
Country: Japan
Masayuki Mizuno was awarded the Asian Order in recognition of his outstanding dedication and service to the Paralympic Movement, whose efforts have inspired future generations and supported Para sport’s expansion.
Mr. Bae Dong Hyun
Country: Republic of Korea
Bae Dong Hyun received the Asian Order for his remarkable service and dedication—over his career—toward the development and promotion of Para sport in Asia, leaving a legacy of positive impact.
Each award reflected not only sporting success but also the values that define the Paralympic spirit: perseverance, inclusion, integrity, and the ability to inspire beyond results.
The winners were selected following a nomination and review process led by the APC Awards Committee, ensuring transparency and diversity across the region.
A night of recognition and reflection
“This event is also an opportunity to acknowledge the massive community that sustains the Paralympic Movement. To the coaches who see beyond limitations, to the support teams who work tirelessly, to the families who offer unconditional love, to our valuable sponsors, and to the National Federations who build the necessary infrastructure.” said APC President Mr. Majid Rashed.
“The Paralympic Movement in Asia has proven to be a powerful force for social change. It has helped us break down prejudices, foster inclusion, and build more understanding communities.” he expressed.
The ceremony, held in a vibrant and inclusive setting in Astana, provided space to not only celebrate achievements but to share powerful stories of transformation. As attendees applauded the accomplishments of their peers, the Awards reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to recognizing those who inspire progress — both on and off the field of play.
