In a historic and proud moment for the Asian Paralympic family, His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, presented the prestigious Order of Friendship to Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC). This honour recognizes Rashed’s exceptional contributions toward advancing the Paralympic Movement in Asia and highlights the United Arab Emirates’ support and empowerment of people of determination over the last decade.
The award was officially presented during a formal reception at the Akorda Presidential Palace in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The event was attended by a host of senior officials, dignitaries, and leaders from various sectors, reflecting the high importance of this recognition in promoting inclusive sports and strengthening regional partnerships in the Paralympic Movement.
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Honoring Dedication to the Paralympic Cause
During the ceremony, discussions emphasized the numerous initiatives led by the Asian Paralympic Committee, including programs that enhance the participation of athletes with disabilities and promote major Para sport events across the continent. President Tokayev and APC President Majid Rashed also spoke about the growing role of Kazakhstan in international Para sports competitions, noting that the country has been successful in organizing and hosting significant Paralympic events in recent years.
Both sides celebrated the remarkable growth of the Kazakh Paralympic Movement, recognizing its alignment with Asia’s broader goals for inclusive sports development and sustainable growth. President Tokayev highlighted the increasing influence of the APC under Majid Rashed’s leadership and praised the UAE’s consistent efforts to support and empower people of determination.
Majid Rashed’s Tribute to UAE Leadership
Accepting the award, APC President Majid Rashed dedicated the recognition to the supreme leadership of the United Arab Emirates, acknowledging their pioneering work in the field of Paralympic sports and inclusive development. Rashed specifically mentioned:
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His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE
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His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai
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His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE
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His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council
Rashed emphasized that this award was not only a personal honour but also a reflection of the UAE’s dedication to empowering people of determination, strengthening the Paralympic Movement, and promoting inclusive opportunities for athletes with disabilities in Asia and globally.
Strengthening Kazakhstan-UAE Paralympic Ties
The meeting at the Akorda Presidential Palace also served as an opportunity to discuss future collaborations between Kazakhstan and the UAE in Paralympic sports. Leaders acknowledged Kazakhstan’s growing contributions to the Asian Paralympic Movement, including the hosting of the 8th APC Conference and General Assembly in Astana, a critical forum for decision-making and strategy planning in the continent’s Paralympic sector.
President Tokayev praised the Kazakhstan Paralympic Committee for its achievements, emphasizing the country’s commitment to supporting athletes with disabilities and creating an inclusive environment for sports participation. He underlined that Kazakhstan sees itself as a key contributor to the growth of Paralympic sports in Asia and a genuine partner in realizing the vision of a stronger, more inclusive Paralympic future.
APC’s Role in Advancing Para Sports
Under Majid Rashed’s leadership, the Asian Paralympic Committee has made significant strides in advancing Para sports across Asia. The APC has implemented programs to increase athlete participation, improve sports infrastructure, and encourage governments and organizations to invest in inclusive sports development. Rashed has consistently highlighted the importance of collaboration between nations, emphasizing that every achievement in the Paralympic Movement is a shared success that benefits all of Asia.
The award from Kazakhstan is a testament to the APC’s growing influence and the UAE’s visionary leadership in supporting people of determination. It reflects the collective efforts of multiple stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to ensure that athletes with disabilities receive the recognition, training, and resources they deserve.
Promoting Inclusion Through Sport
The recognition of Majid Rashed by Kazakhstan also sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity in sports. By honouring leaders who have worked to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities, countries in Asia are signaling their commitment to creating equal opportunities and fair competition for all.
Through the APC’s initiatives, countries are now more focused on developing talent, building accessible sports infrastructure, and integrating Para sports into national sports policies. The leadership of Majid Rashed and the support of the UAE serve as guiding examples for other nations aiming to strengthen their own Paralympic programs.
Future of the Paralympic Movement in Asia
Looking ahead, the recognition from Kazakhstan highlights the bright future of the Paralympic Movement in Asia. Both Kazakhstan and the UAE are expected to continue their collaboration, sharing best practices and resources to support athletes with disabilities. The award also strengthens the APC’s position in regional and global forums, helping it drive new policies, sponsorships, and programs that empower people of determination across the continent.
Majid Rashed, in his acceptance speech, reaffirmed the APC’s mission to advance the Paralympic Movement, stressing that the journey is a collective effort requiring leadership, innovation, and international collaboration. He expressed his hope that other countries would follow Kazakhstan and the UAE in recognizing the importance of inclusive sports development.
The awarding of the Order of Friendship to APC President Majid Rashed is more than just a personal accolade. It represents a celebration of the UAE’s leadership, the APC’s dedication, and Kazakhstan’s growing role in the Paralympic Movement in Asia. The ceremony at the Akorda Presidential Palace was a proud moment for all involved and a reminder that sports can be a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment, and unity.
This honour reflects the combined efforts of nations, leaders, and organizations working together to create a more inclusive future for people of determination, ensuring that they have equal opportunities to excel and inspire others. The collaboration between Kazakhstan and the UAE, under the guidance of visionary leaders, is now setting a benchmark for Paralympic growth and development throughout Asia.
Through such initiatives, the continent is moving closer to a future where every athlete, regardless of ability, can shine on both regional and global stages.
