Bahrain Gears Up to Host Asian Youth Games in October

TDT | Manama

Email: ashen@newsofbahrain.com

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, President of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, chaired the sixth meeting of the Olympic Committee Board of Directors on Monday.

At the beginning of the meeting, HH Shaikh Khalid warmly welcomed the members and praised the achievements of Bahrain’s sports federations during the first half of 2025. He also expressed pride in the 46-year journey of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, highlighting its many successes and contributions to sports in the Kingdom.

During the session, several key topics were discussed. These included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting, the administrative report for 2024, and updates on Bahrain’s international sports participation plans for 2025 and 2026. Preparations for hosting the 3rd Asian Youth Games, scheduled to take place in Bahrain from October 22 to 31, 2025, were also reviewed.

The meeting touched on the Committee’s ongoing preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. HH Shaikh Khalid emphasized the importance of training athletes to compete at the highest level and focusing on new sports disciplines to increase Bahrain’s chances of winning medals in future editions of the Games.

Additionally, the members reviewed the latest developments regarding the establishment of an International Center of Excellence and a Regional Aquatic Sports Office, in collaboration with GFH Financial Group. They also reflected on Bahrain's successful hosting of the FIBA Congress and Hall of Fame Ceremony held last month.

Progress updates from the Bahrain Olympic Academy were presented, and HH Shaikh Khalid tasked Shaikha Dr. Hessa bint Khalid Al Khalifa, Board Member and Chair of the Gender Equality Committee, with coordinating certified administrative programs with the International Olympic Academy. These initiatives aim to improve the skills of sports administrators in local clubs and federations.

Other discussions included updates on the National Center for Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and proposed changes to the Olympic Committee’s administrative structure.

The Board was also briefed on Bahrain’s preparations to host the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) meetings from November 10 to 14, 2025. Discussions were held on supporting Gulf candidates in international sports positions and the approval of the new logo for the GCC Sports Arbitration Authority.

The meeting concluded with the endorsement of the 2024–2028 strategic plan of the Equality Committee, including its vision, mission, and core values. HH Shaikh Khalid wished the committee continued success in its future initiatives.