At just 12 years old, Darwish Al Rashidi has become one of the most inspiring young faces of the Dubai 2025 Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG) — a symbol of pride, courage, and the resilience of the next generation.
His journey into the spotlight began with a moment he never expected. While filming for the Dubai 2025 AYPG promo, Darwish sprinted across the track holding the UAE flag. The clip went viral across social media, instantly turning this shy table tennis player into a national sensation. Overnight, he became a symbol of youthful determination, representing far more than just sport — he became the face of hope for young para-athletes across the UAE.
A Big Moment for a Young Athlete
For Darwish, the Games mark the biggest milestone of his young sporting career — his first time representing the UAE internationally. Despite the pressure, he carries himself with calm confidence, walking into the venue with a quiet smile and a spark of excitement that reveals just how much this moment means to him.
“Representing the UAE fills me with pride,” he shares with a maturity far beyond his age.
A Journey That Started Unexpectedly
Darwish’s introduction to sports was not something he planned. When recalling how he began playing table tennis, he laughs and admits that it was his mother who insisted he try it. Although reluctant at first, something clicked the moment he stepped into the club — and soon, the sport became a defining part of his life.
After just one year of training, Darwish now finds himself on an international stage. Balancing Grade 7 classes at Al Qeyam School with intensive sports practice hasn’t been easy — and in a surprising revelation, he shares that his school doesn’t even know he is a para-athlete.
Dreams Bigger Than His Age
While table tennis may be his competitive sport, Darwish’s heart truly belongs to football. With a wide grin, he confesses that if given a choice between football and table tennis, he’d choose football every time. A passionate Barcelona fan, he dreams of visiting Saudi Arabia one day to watch Cristiano Ronaldo play live.
But his biggest sporting dream is clear and unwavering:
He wants to compete at the Paralympics.
Energetic and curious, Darwish is not stopping at just one sport. He hopes to explore more — with cycling next on his list.
The Boy Behind the Athlete
At home, Darwish is a lively middle child of four siblings. His world is full of laughter, play, and the simple joy of games like ludo. Born with a right upper limb disability, he speaks about it with a strength and acceptance that reflects deep emotional maturity.
He also credits the UAE and his Dubai club for giving him immense support, nurturing him not only as an athlete but as a young boy finding his place in the world.
A Viral Moment That Changed Everything
Darwish’s rise to fame began with that powerful moment of him running proudly with the UAE flag — a moment that captured the hearts of a nation. Becoming the face of the Dubai 2025 AYPG hasn’t overwhelmed him; instead, it has filled him with pride and motivation to do even better.
A Journey With Endless Possibilities
As he steps onto the international para-sport stage for the first time, Darwish carries not only the UAE flag but also the dreams of countless young athletes who look up to him. He isn’t just competing — he is beginning a journey marked by ambition, courage, and limitless possibilities.
At 12 years old, Darwish Al Rashidi is proving that it’s not age, size, or experience that defines a champion — it’s heart.
