Royal Tribute as Bahrain Celebrates 13-Medal Haul at Asian Youth Games

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the King of Bahrain, today received senior members of the Royal Family, high-ranking officials, citizens, top athletes, and members of the Supreme Organising Committee and Executive Committee of the 3rd Asian Youth Games at Al Sakhir Palace. The Kingdom recently hosted the event under His Majesty’s Royal Patronage. During the gathering, attendees had the honour of greeting His Majesty.

The ceremony began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a keynote address delivered by His Majesty the King.

His Majesty expressed pride in Bahrain’s successful hosting of the Games, noting that the outstanding results reflect the strength, discipline, and professionalism of the Bahraini sports sector. His Majesty praised the unified national efforts that transformed the event into one of the most successful editions, showcasing Bahrain’s capabilities in organising major continental competitions in a record time.

His Majesty congratulated Bahrain’s medal-winning athletes for their distinguished performance and sportsmanship, wishing further success to those competing in the Islamic Solidarity Games currently taking place in Riyadh.

The King also extended heartfelt appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his dedication to strengthening the national sports movement, which recently culminated in Bahrain’s selection as the host of the 2027 Arab Games. His Majesty stressed the importance of early preparation to ensure the event reflects Bahrain’s status as an emerging global sports hub.

Following His Majesty’s speech, medal-winning athletes of the Asian Youth Games had the honour of greeting the King.

Address by HH Shaikh Khalid  

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, Chairman of the General Sports Authority, and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, delivered a speech in which he congratulated His Majesty on Bahrain’s exceptional achievement in hosting the Games.

He highlighted that around 8,000 participants from 45 countries took part, and the Kingdom managed the entire event within just ten months of preparation — an unprecedented milestone in Asian sporting history.

His Highness attributed the success to His Majesty’s unwavering support for youth and sports, which forms the foundation of national sports development. He also expressed deep gratitude to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, for his continuous follow-up and commitment to advancing Bahrain’s sports sector.

HH Shaikh Khalid further thanked HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa for his efforts in empowering young athletes, and commended the organising committees, working teams, and volunteers whose dedication made the event a national triumph.

Bahrain’s athletes secured 13 medals in the Games: 5 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze, marking a bright chapter in the country’s sporting achievements.

His Highness affirmed Bahrain’s readiness to host the Arab Games 2027, noting that it will position the Kingdom at the forefront of regional and international sports.

He concluded by renewing loyalty and commitment to fulfilling His Majesty’s vision for Bahraini sports.

His Highness then presented commemorative gifts to His Majesty the King.

Poetic Tribute

Poet Mohammed Hadi Al Halwaji recited a poem honouring His Majesty, praising the King’s generosity, wisdom, and leadership, describing him as a beacon of benevolence and a source of inspiration for the nation.

Attendees Express Gratitude

Guests expressed profound appreciation to His Majesty the King for granting them the honour of the meeting, highlighting the strong bond between the leadership and the people of Bahrain. They praised the Kingdom’s progress under His Majesty’s leadership and prayed for His Majesty’s continued health and for Bahrain’s prosperity and advancement.

List of Honoured Athletes

Gold Medalists

• Dardar Darov – Modern Mixed Martial Arts, 60kg (Boys)

• Abdulhakim Babaev – Modern Mixed Martial Arts, 65kg (Boys)

• Ibrahim Khaldov – Modern Mixed Martial Arts, 70kg (Boys)

• John Esteban Lopez – Weightlifting, Snatch + Clean & Jerk, 94kg (Two Gold Medals)

Silver Medalists

• Sultan Ahmed Sultan Ahmedov – Traditional Mixed Martial Arts, 65kg (Boys)

• Adrian Norman Granja – Weightlifting, Snatch, 79kg

• Qasim Azhar Abdullah – Pencak Silat, Boys, 51–55kg

Endurance (119km) – Team Event

• Sultan Abdulaziz Al Rumaihi

• Abdulrahman Khalid Al Khateri

• Faisal Hameed Al Anzi

• Badr Fahad Al Anzi

• Nayef Mubarak Sabt

Boys’ Basketball 3×3 Team

• Somto Patrick Onuoduiny

• Sergey Shchyekitch

• Hassan Oshwavey Abdulqader

• Yousif Yaqoob Mashai

Boys’ Handball Team – Bronze Medalists
(List of all athletes retained as provided.)

Additional Honourees

• Tanishi Bhaumik Moi – Combat Sports, 54kg (Girls 16–17 Years), Bronze

• Pedro Bessi Jesus – Jiu-Jitsu, 85kg, Bronze

World Youth Endurance Championship – Romania 2025

• Saud Mubarak Salem Mubarak – Silver (2nd place)

• Isa Hameed Dakheel Al Anzi – Bronze (3rd place)