Team Philippines is setting its sights on a strong performance at the 2025 Asian Youth Para Games, which officially begins on Wednesday, December 10, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Filipino contingent aims to match or exceed its 2021 results in Manama, Bahrain.

Milette Bonoan, the country’s chef de mission, highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Games. “The level of competition has increased, especially in certain countries. It’s more challenging this time,” she said.

Despite tougher rivals, Bonoan stressed that the team’s youth and drive remain major assets. “Our athletes have enormous potential for growth, and they are highly motivated to win,” she added.

Classification of athletes began on December 7 and will continue through December 9 to finalize start lists for the 11 sports scheduled from Wednesday through Sunday, December 14.

Largest-ever Filipino delegation takes the stage

The Philippines has fielded 48 para athletes across nine sports, marking the country’s biggest contingent in the history of the Games. The team competes in para athletics, para archery, para swimming, para badminton, wheelchair basketball 3×3, boccia, para table tennis, goalball, and para powerlifting.

The delegation hopes to surpass its previous medal haul of one gold, six silver, and two bronze medals. Filipino athletes are prepared to showcase their skills and aim for podium finishes across multiple disciplines.

Wheelchair basketball 3×3 makes its debut at the Games, and Team Philippines is sending nearly the same lineup that previously competed in 5×5. Anthony DeMesa, Edgardo Ochaves, Jodriel Piol, and Ian Sotelo will face Saudi Arabia in Wednesday morning’s opening game, followed by host UAE later in the day.

Focus on execution over opponents

Coach Vernon Perea emphasized a strategy centered on execution rather than opponent analysis. “If we execute a solid defense, I hope we can reach the medal rounds,” he said in Filipino.

Perea added that the team’s priority is perfecting their own plays. “We’re more focused on ourselves and how to run our plays as effectively as possible,” he noted.

The Games offer a platform for young Filipino para athletes to demonstrate resilience, skill, and the promise of future success on the international stage.