The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and Virtus, the International Sports Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties and promote the growth of tennis for athletes with intellectual impairments worldwide.

The agreement highlights a shared commitment to inclusion, with both organisations working to ensure tennis is accessible to all, regardless of disability-related barriers. It represents a significant step toward expanding participation opportunities and supporting the long-term growth and sustainability of tennis for players with intellectual impairment globally.

Under the MOU, Virtus will collaborate with the ITF to build a clearer understanding of the current landscape of tennis for athletes with intellectual impairment. This includes examining how the sport is organised and governed, the regulatory and classification frameworks that support competition, and the specific requirements of the playing environment.

The partnership will also allow the ITF to gain valuable insights into participation pathways, coaching structures, facilities, events, and the wider ecosystem that supports the sport. These insights will help shape future growth strategies and identify areas of alignment with other tennis disciplines, including wheelchair tennis.

Virtus will benefit from the ITF’s expertise as the global governing body for tennis, particularly in governance, classification, regulation, and the development of disability tennis disciplines. At the same time, Virtus continues to oversee a robust annual programme of regional and world-level competitions, operate transparent governance and classification systems, and actively expand tennis opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment worldwide. The agreement also encourages cooperation in promoting and developing key events and initiatives, while strengthening engagement with national tennis associations.

Aligned with the ITF’s 2024+4 strategy, the MOU reinforces the organisation’s constitutional commitment to universal participation and opposition to discrimination in all forms. It also reflects Virtus’ mission to provide fair, transparent, and high-quality sporting opportunities for athletes with intellectual impairment worldwide.

Through shared expertise and close collaboration, the ITF and Virtus aim to develop tennis for athletes with intellectual impairment at all levels, strengthening pathways from grassroots participation to elite competition.

For more information, visit: https://www.itftennis.com/en/

Eighteen-year-old Bhuvi Agarwal announced herself to the continental stage in unforgettable fashion at the Dubai 2025 Asian Para Youth Games, delivering a golden sweep in the T20 category. Competing in long jump, shot put, and the 400m race, the young Indian para-athlete with an intellectual impairment claimed three gold medals, turning her debut appearance at the Asian Para Youth Games into a powerful statement of belief, discipline and promise.

For Bhuvi, who began training at the age of nine, the moment felt almost unreal.

“Yes, I always dreamed of representing India one day, and I feel very happy to win gold for my country here,” she said, her smile reflecting years of quiet determination finally rewarded.

Behind her success stands a journey shaped by belief – belief that was planted early by her coach, Shorabh Verma, and nurtured every single day on the training track.

“All her life, she watched able-bodied athletes compete. I always told her, You can compete just like them. We train at Olympic-level facilities, and that environment motivates her every day to aim higher,” Verma explained.

Those emotions came flooding out in Dubai, where Bhuvi’s triumphs were witnessed firsthand by the two people who have stood closest to her journey – her mother and her coach – cheering from the sidelines as she crossed the finish line and claimed gold.

“I am extremely proud of Bhuvi. She trained so hard for this championship. Watching her win gold here, live, was an unforgettable feeling. This is her first Asian Para Youth Games, and it has given her tremendous confidence for the future,” her mother said, her voice filled with emotion.

Bhuvi flaunting her gold medals at the 2025 AYPG. Photo Credit: Bhuvi Agarwal

Bhuvi’s dedication is relentless. She trains seven days a week, morning and evening, without rest days. Athletics is not just her sport – it is her passion.

“I don’t want to try other sports. I want to do everything in athletics,” she said firmly.

Her mother, who has never missed a training session – standing by her side through scorching summers and freezing winters – shared the pride felt back home.

“In India, everyone is so proud and happy that a girl is representing the country at the international level,” she said.

A student of Delhi Public School, Faridabad, Bhuvi also credits her school community for standing behind her dreams.

“My schoolmates supported me so much. I received messages, calls, and Instagram tags wishing me luck. The school is really proud,” Bhuvi said. Her mother echoed the gratitude, while Coach Verma highlighted the institution’s role:

“The school has given us unconditional support, even financial help. That kind of support allows children to dream bigger.”

Bhuvi has already shared the track with some of India’s finest para athletes, including Paris 2024 Paralympic bronze medallist Deepthi Jeevangi in the T20 400m.

“Yes, I’ve competed with her in Brisbane and at Khelo India. “I feel proud and happy to compete with her,” Bhuvi said.

Her coach sees that competition as inspiration rather than pressure.

“Deepthi is her competitor, and her level is very high. My dream is to train Bhuvi to reach that level – and even surpass it one day. But that requires relentless hard work from all of us: Bhuvi, her family, and me. Without commitment and support, none of this is possible,” Verma said.

When asked who she dedicates her medals to, Bhuvi answered without hesitation.

“To my coach and my mom,” she said. Then, with a laugh, she added when asked if she would keep one for herself, “I’ll earn more.”

With her unbreakable discipline, strong support system, and fearless ambition, Bhuvi Agarwal is doing more than winning gold medals in Dubai. She is redefining possibilities – and inspiring a new generation of Indian para athletes to believe that no dream is ever out of reach.

Action at the 2025 Para Karate World Championship in Cairo delivered high-stakes eliminations and medal-deciding bouts across all Para Karate categories. Returning champions stepped onto the tatami determined to defend their world titles, while emerging athletes pursued historic first podium finishes on the international stage. The competition stood as a powerful showcase of elite skill, relentless dedication, and the expanding global reach of Para Karate.

Para Karate was contested as a dedicated discipline within the sport of Karate, created specifically for athletes with disabilities. The competition adapted the kata modality to ensure fair and meaningful participation for wheelchair users, visually impaired athletes, and athletes with intellectual disabilities, emphasising technique, control, rhythm, and expressive performance.

Athletes with an intellectual impairment competed across two categories: K21 and K22.

Intellectually Impaired Female K21 – Kakosy Captured Gold

Winners from the Women’s K21 competition (L-R): Federica Yakymashko, Olivia Kakosy, Judy Halawa and Lucia Sanchez Rosad. Photo Credit: WKF

Hungary’s Olivia Kakosy claimed the gold medal in a closely contested K21 female final, defeating Italy’s Federica Yakymashko 41.0–39.9 with a poised and precise kata performance. Bronze medals were awarded to Egypt’s Judy Halawa and Spain’s Lucia Sanchez Rosado.

Intellectually Impaired Male K21 – Elbeltagy Led on Home Soil

Winner from Men’s K21 (L-R): Carlos Huertas Ruiz, Ahmed Elbeltagy, Albert Singer and Mike Richter. Photo Credit: WKF

Egypt’s Ahmed Elbeltagy secured gold with a commanding performance, overcoming Germany’s Carlos Huertas Ruiz 40.1–38.5. Germany completed the podium as Albert Singer and Mike Richter each earned bronze following consistent kata rounds.

Intellectually Impaired Female K22 – Daniela Prevailed

Winner from Women’s K22 (L-R): Lucia Lkova, Daniela Topic, Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim and Natalie Olson. Photo Credit: WKF

Croatia’s Daniela Topic emerged victorious in a tightly fought K22 female final, edging Slovakia’s Lucia Lkova 39.5–39.0 with balanced execution and strong rhythm. Canada’s Natalie Olson and Egypt’s Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim finished with bronze medals.

Intellectually Impaired Male K22 – Allesina Delivered Gold for Italy

Winner from Men’s K22 (L-R): Patrick Buwalda, Mattia Allesina, Abdelrahman Elsherif and Stipe Baric. Photo Credit: WKF

Italy celebrated victory in the men’s K22 category as Mattia Allesina defeated teammate Patrick Buwalda 41.2–39.8 in an all-Italian final. Egypt’s Abdelrahman Elsherif and Croatia’s Stipe Baric claimed bronze after steady performances throughout the championship.

The 2025 program reflected the World Karate Federation’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity. Para Karate had been part of the WKF World Senior Championships since 2014, and its continued presence on the main competition program highlighted the steady growth of inclusive sport within the global Karate community.

The Para Karate competition was presented in collaboration with One Humanity, reinforcing shared values of dignity, respect, and equality. The event celebrated inclusion and human connection—principles championed by both the World Karate Federation and the One Humanity initiative.

The 2025 Virtus World Futsal Championship in Torrevieja, Spain, delivered an unforgettable day of high-intensity competition as six nations — Spain, Neutral, Poland, Portugal, France, and Japan — battled for global supremacy.

Portugal Clinches a Heart-Stopping 5–4 Victory Over Japan

In one of the most dramatic matches of the championship, Portugal and Japan faced off in the first semi-final.
At halftime, Portugal held a confident 2–0 lead, appearing firmly in control. But Japan — known for its relentless fight — launched a stunning comeback.

They struck their first goal early in the second half, shifting the momentum to 2–1. Then, in an astonishing late surge, Japan equalised with another goal at just 22 seconds remaining, bringing the match level at 4–4 and sending shockwaves through the arena.

But Portugal refused to let the moment slip away. In a breathtaking final play, they fired in the winning goal with 0.1 seconds left on the clock, sealing a 5–4 victory and their place in the 2025 Virtus World Championship Final.

Talking to FEDDI, Diogo Silva, who made a hat-trick of goals, said,

“It was a very intense game because we wanted to win. We took control of the match, and we won it by 5-4. But we also have to give credit to the Japanese team, who scored four goals and managed to draw the match. But with the unity and resilience we always have on the pitch, we are a very close-knit group, so we always manage to win the match in the end.”

“Any team can get out there and pay, but when you get to the finals, it’s there to be won, and we are used to it. It’s no coincidence that we have been champions for several years now. We are going to give our all, with the same spirit, the same unity, the same commitment, and honour the shirt. We will bring the trophy for the country”, he further added sharing the Portuguese team’s target for the finals.

It was a match that showcased everything Virtus stands for — resilience, talent, and the unstoppable spirit of athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Neutral Team Powers Past France to Secure the Second Final Spot

Neutral athlete taking a shot at scoring goal in a match against Japan.

The second semi-final featured the Neutral Team against France. The neutral team showed up to the championship well prepared and was ready to fight for everything.

Displaying precision and relentless pace, the Neutral Team delivered a commanding 6–1 win, earning their spot in the final with style.

“Our team’s unity got us into the finals. We all were working towards the same goal, and the coaching staff helped us”, Iakimov Aleksei told FEDDI.

Aleksei scored five goals for the Neutral team, pushing their team into the finals. He was named not only the player of the match, but also the player of the day.

France fought hard and created several promising chances, but the Neutral Team’s dominance proved too strong across the full match.

Host Nation Spain Closes Their Championship in Spectacular Style

Team Spain at Torreveja 2025.

The final match of the day belonged to the hosts — and they did not disappoint.

In the 5th–6th place playoff, Spain defeated Poland 10–6, gifting their passionate home crowd a thrilling, high-tempo match full of attacks, counterattacks, and showmanship. The atmosphere inside the venue was electric, with fans celebrating Spain’s strong finish on home soil.

Poland displayed moments of impressive quality, keeping the match competitive with sharp transitions and creative attacking play.

Spain’s performance was a fitting closing statement — full of energy, pride, and national spirit — showcasing their commitment to growing elite futsal for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

With Portugal and the Neutral Team now heading to the final, the world awaits a showdown worthy of this extraordinary championship.

Watch the livestream for the match here.

More information about the championship is available on the competition website.

Day two of the 2025 Virtus World Cross Country Championships delivered another thrilling showcase of endurance, strategy, and national pride as athletes took on the long-distance races in Arenzano, Liguria. With several podiums repeating from day one, the consistency and dominance of the top performers became unmistakably clear—especially in the women’s events, where Poland once again swept the podium.

 Men’s II1 – 7K Long Race: Pereira Extends His Reign

Winner from Short race for Men’s II1. (L-R) Parras Alvarez Adrian, Pereira Cristiano and Martinez Garrido. Photo Credit: ANDDI

Portugal’s Cristiano Pereira proved once again why he remains one of the greatest distance runners in Virtus history. After winning yesterday’s short race, he doubled down with a commanding victory in the 7K long race, clocking 22:56—a full 20 seconds faster than Spain’s Raul Martinez Garrido, who finished in 23:16.

The fight for silver and bronze was a tight Spanish duel, with Adrian Parras Alvarez crossing just 3 seconds behind Martinez Garrido in 23:19, mirroring their strong performances from day one.

Women’s II1 – 5K Long Race: Poland Dominates Once Again

(L-R) Bodziony Anna, Barbara Bieganowska-Zajac and Wyrobek Monika on the podium of the Short and long race for II1 Women’s. 

Poland cemented its status as an unstoppable force in women’s distance running. For a second consecutive day, the Polish trio claimed a clean sweep of the podium—and in the same exact order.

Five-time Paralympic champion Barbara Bieganowska-Zając once again controlled the race with authority, winning in 18:38, pulling more than 2 minutes ahead of teammate Anna Bodziony (20:50). Monika Wyrobek followed closely at 21:00, maintaining exceptional consistency over both race days.

The Polish athletes’ dominance was not only technical but psychological—their pacing discipline, teamwork, and finishing strength left a clear gap between them and the rest of the field.

Men’s II3 – 7K Long Race: Italy Holds the Top Two Spots Again

(L-R) Winner from short and long race II3 Men’s: Mattone Andrea, Luca Ventureilli  and Karadzhov Viktor. 

Italy replicated its podium placements from day one in the II3 men’s long race, showcasing depth and control on home soil.

Luca Venturelli delivered another strong performance to take gold in 23:26, finishing nearly 8 minutes ahead of teammate Andrea Mattone (31:14). Viktor Karadzhov of Bulgaria crossed in 33:22, securing bronze for the second time this weekend.

 Men’s II2 – Long Race: Spanish Trio Shows Remarkable Consistency

Spanish Men celebrate after their medal ceremony for the short race. (L-R) García Aguirrezabal Mikel, Castaño Castro José Nicolás y Núñez Pujadas Álvaro.

The II2 long race also repeated the exact same podium as day one, with Spain demonstrating exceptional unity and pace strategy. José Nicolás Castaño Castro dominated again, this time with a finishing time of 14:46—maintaining a 30-second lead over Mikel García Aguirrezabal (15:16). Álvaro Nuñez Pujadas completed the Spanish sweep, finishing in 16:17.

Their performance confirms Spain as the strongest nation in the II2 category this year.

Team Competition – II1 Men’s Long Race

Spain’s collective excellence over the long-distance course earned them the team gold, followed by Portugal and France. 

From Portugal’s brilliance, to Italy’s home-ground resilience, to Spain’s unified strength—and above all, Poland’s phenomenal dominance in women’s racing—day two of the 2025 Virtus World Cross Country Championships delivered unforgettable performances.

Arenzano once again proved to be the perfect host for athletes who continue to elevate the standards of international competition.