AI is crucial for the future of Paralympic sports: Asian Paralympic President

PARIS: Majid Al Usaimi, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee and Governing Board member of the International Paralympic Committee, has emphasised that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in para sports represents a future trend that the International Paralympic Committee will base its upcoming plans and initiatives upon.

Speaking to Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Al Usaimi noted that AI will play a significant role, particularly in medical classification in Paralympic competitions, and in the development of sports equipment used in these events, aiming to ensure fairness among all participants.

He stated, “The costs of sports equipment for specific para sports can vary greatly depending on each athlete’s abilities, which can lead to inequalities in competitions. AI can help promote fairness in this area.”

He added, “The UAE, given the trust of the International Paralympic Committee, could oversee research related to the use of AI or forums that could be launched in collaboration with the committee, the Ministry of Sports, and the General Sports Authority, providing a fertile ground for this new technological revolution in the Paralympic Games.”

The President of the Asian Paralympic Committee also discussed a strategic plan set nine years ago, specifically in 2015 in Abu Dhabi, aimed at increasing and developing Asian participation in the Paralympic Games. This plan is progressing well.

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He said, “Asian participation in Rio de Janeiro 2016 was around 19 percent of the total participants, rising to 22 percent in Tokyo 2020, and over 25 percent in Paris 2024. Additionally, many Asian countries have achieved positive results, with China leading the competition in its early days.”