Bahrain Gears Up for Asia’s Largest Youth Sporting Spectacle
TDT | Manama
Email: hussainm@newsofbahrain.com
Over 5,000 athletes compete in Asia’s largest youth sporting events
Bahrain is counting down the days to the third Asian Youth Games, with just 55 days to go until the event kicks off on October 22. Today at 7 pm, a press conference at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel revealed the Kingdom’s readiness to host one of Asia’s largest youth sporting gatherings.
The press briefing was led by HH Shaikh Issa bin Ali Al Khalifa, Vinod Tiwari, Deputy Director General of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), Dr. Thani Al Kuwari, OCA Vice President West Asia, Mr. Tayyab Ikram, Chairman of the OCA Coordinational Committee, and Faris Al Kooheji, Secretary General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC).
“A Special Event for Bahrain”
Speaking exclusively to TDT, Shaikh Issa described the Games as a “special event for Bahrain” and confirmed that all preparations—from venues and accommodation to sports facilities—have been progressing under the directives of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, President of the BOC and Organising Committee. “We are confident that Bahrain is fully prepared to host this major regional event and that the third edition of the Asian Youth Games will succeed across all categories,” he said.
Dr. Thani Al Kuwari highlighted the Games’ broader significance, noting: “The image of Bahrain and Asia will be honored. This event is a celebration of respect and friendship across the continent.”
Scale and Sporting Zones
The Games will gather over 5,000 athletes aged 15–17 from nearly 45 countries, competing in 24 sports ranging from athletics, swimming, and basketball to judo, kabaddi, teqball, e-sports, and more. Events will be held across 23 competition venues and over 30 training facilities, organized into three main zones and subzones.
Zone 1 centers on Isa Sports City, hosting track and field from October 23–26, handball and futsal from October 21 and 23–27, and volleyball and kabaddi competitions across multiple halls. Zone 2 at Exhibition World will feature table tennis, MMA, e-sports, taekwondo, Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, teqball, weightlifting, and wrestling. Subzones include C: Military Sports Association and Royal Golf Club for show jumping and golf, and D: Bahrain International Endurance Village and Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq for camel racing, cross country, endurance, and triathlon events. Accommodation will span Amwaj, Manama, Seef, and Juffair/Adliya, ensuring athletes are close to their respective competition zones.
“Making the Games Relevant”
Mr. Tayyab Ikram emphasized the Games’ importance for the Olympic movement and the youth of Asia: “Our objective at the Olympic Council of Asia is to make the Games more relevant for today’s generation. Bahrain has delivered in record time to host an event that will welcome the future stars of Asia, leave a sustainable legacy, and inspire youth across the continent.”
Mascots and Cultural Identity
The event also marked the unveiling of the official mascot “Shihab”, representing the Arabian oryx and symbolizing strength and agility, alongside welcoming mascots “Najm” and “Dana”, reflecting traditional Bahraini attire and cultural heritage. High-profile attendees included Mohammed Shahid, President of BRAVE CF, among others.
Legacy Beyond 2025
The Asian Youth Games, which build on previous editions held in Singapore (2010) and Nanjing, China (2013), promote physical fitness, cultural exchange, and Olympic ideals. In addition to medals, athletes will gain pathways toward qualification for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar and ultimately the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
With just under two months to go, Bahrain is poised to host a Games that promise to be both memorable and transformative for athletes, fans, and the broader sporting community.
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