Inclusive governance

The convergence of digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping sports globally, yet para-sport organizations face uniquely complex challenges, from precision in classification to equitable access to technology. Despite growing interest, research remains fragmented, lacking an integrated framework linking technological capability, ethical governance, and inclusivity imperatives. This narrative review critically synthesizes contemporary evidence (2005–2025) to illuminate how AI and digital systems can reconfigure para-sport governance, performance optimization, and athlete empowerment. Literature was sourced from major scholarly databases, analyzed thematically, and integrated into a foresight-oriented conceptual model. Findings reveal five strategic domains: organizational digital readiness; AI applications for adaptive training and decision-making; governance frameworks for ethical and transparent implementation; mitigation of algorithmic bias; and future scenario planning for resilient, inclusive systems. Opportunities include enhancing classification accuracy, personalizing performance strategies, and democratizing digital resources. However, risks such as entrenched bias, data governance failures, and regulatory fragmentation remain critical threats. This review advocates for urgent, coordinated action to integrate ethics, accessibility, and co-creation into AI development. Policy recommendations include stakeholder-driven algorithm design, routine bias audits, capacity-building initiatives, and harmonized global regulatory standards. Ultimately, para-sport stands at a pivotal inflection point: without intentional, equity-focused strategies, technological advances risk reinforcing structural disparities.