Ric Daniel Pasadilla, a 13-year-old para swimmer from Pototan, Iloilo, has emerged as one of Team Philippines’ standout performers at the Asian Youth Para Games Dubai 2025, delivering a strong medal haul with three gold medals, one silver, and one bronze ahead of the final day of competition.
Competing in the swimming events under the S10 multi-class categories, Pasadilla has already topped the podium in multiple races, including the boys 12–16 200 LC individual medley, 100 LC backstroke, and 100 LC butterfly, while also earning a silver in the 100 LC freestyle and a bronze in the 100 LC breaststroke. Classified as an athlete with a physical disability, he represents the Philippines across all swimming categories at the Games.
Pasadilla is part of the Philippine delegation competing across athletics, boccia, goalball, wheelchair basketball, table tennis, swimming, archery, and badminton at this year’s edition, which has drawn more than 1,500 athletes from over 35 countries and is regarded as the largest Asian Youth Para Games to date. His performances have contributed significantly to the country’s medal tally as Filipino athletes continue to make their presence felt in Dubai.
Beyond the international stage, Pasadilla has also built a solid domestic record. At the Palarong Pambansa 2025, he captured three gold medals in the 50-meter butterfly, 50-meter backstroke, and 50-meter breaststroke, underscoring his consistency and rise as one of the Philippines’ most promising young para swimmers.
With the Games set to conclude on December 14, Pasadilla is scheduled to compete in two more events, giving him the opportunity to contend for his fourth and fifth gold medals before the curtain falls on Dubai 2025.
