APC chief Majid Rashed awarded honorary doctorate in South Korea

Recognition highlights contribution to Paralympic sport and inclusion

Ceremony underscores growing Asia–Korea cooperation in Para sport

Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee (APC), has been awarded an honorary doctorate by the Korea National University of Education in recognition of his contributions to the development of Para sport and disability inclusion across Asia and beyond.

The university said the honour reflects Rashed’s long-standing commitment to advancing inclusive education and sport, and his role in strengthening opportunities for Para athletes internationally.

A key figure in the Paralympic Movement in Asia, Rashed has spent decades advocating for greater participation and recognition of athletes with disabilities. Under his leadership since 2014, the APC has expanded development programmes and deepened cooperation with international sporting bodies.

Rashed previously served as APC Vice President from 2010 to 2014 before being elected president. He also holds several senior positions in the United Arab Emirates, including board member of the Dubai Sports Council, vice president of the UAE National Paralympic Committee, and chief executive of Dubai Club for People of Determination.

He has also served as a UNICEF National Ambassador, focusing on advocacy for children and young people with disabilities, and is a board member of the Football Is More Foundation.

‘Support of UAE leadership made this possible’

Speaking at the ceremony in Seoul, Rashed said the recognition reflected wider institutional support, particularly from the United Arab Emirates.

“I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from the Korea National University of Education,” he said. “This recognition is not mine alone; it reflects the vision and unwavering support of the leadership of the United Arab Emirates.”

He added that UAE policies on inclusion had “given confidence and opportunity” to people of determination, helping them take on leadership roles in sport and society.

Call for inclusive education

KNUE President Cha Woo-kyu said the honorary degree symbolised the university’s commitment to inclusive education.

He said Rashed’s leadership would serve as an inspiration for students and educators, adding that the university aimed to strengthen cooperation with the APC in Para sport education and inclusive learning initiatives.

The university also announced plans to launch a master’s programme in Para sport education next year, aimed at training specialists in sport for persons with disabilities.

‘A leader with a heart’

Jin-owan Jung, President of the Korea Paralympic Committee, described Rashed as a “leader with a heart more passionate than anyone else”, praising his long-standing commitment to Para sport.

He said Rashed’s philosophy of “Together We are Stronger” had inspired athletes with disabilities across Asia.

“Today’s honorary degree is the beautiful harvest of the seeds of devotion you have sown globally for over 20 years,” he added.

Growing Korea–APC partnership

The APC has strengthened ties with South Korea in recent years through agreements with sports institutions, including the Korea Institute of Sport Science, focusing on training and research for Para athletes.

The designation of the Korea Paralympic Committee’s Icheon Training Center as an APC Centre of Excellence has further expanded cooperation in athlete development and high-performance sport.

Officials said the collaboration reflects a broader effort to strengthen Para sport systems across Asia and enhance opportunities for athletes with disabilities at all levels.