Challenging Start for Bahrain at BAYG 2025

 Rival nations revealed as Bahrain prepares to host Asia’s next generation of athletes

The group draw for futsal, handball, and volleyball at the Asian Youth Games has been completed, as Bahrain continues its preparations to host the continental event from 22 to 31 October. Although the official opening ceremony is scheduled for 22 October at Exhibition World Bahrain, competitions in these sports will begin earlier, with futsal, handball, and volleyball starting on 19 October, and futsal, kabaddi, teqball, and beach volleyball kicking off on 21 October. The Games will conclude on 31 October with the closing ceremony and final swimming events.

Yusuf Duaij, Chairman of the Executive Committee, said at the draw that it had been organised to ensure the best possible experience during the event. He highlighted Bahrain’s careful preparation, noting that the committee has been “working day and night” to make this edition of the Games stand out.

Groups Unveiled

In boys’ futsal, hosts Bahrain were drawn in Group A alongside Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and China, while Group B features Iran, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, and Kyrgyzstan. On the girls’ side, Bahrain will take on Chinese Taipei, China, Iran, and Hong Kong in Group A.

Duaij noted that “The Bahraini teams were drawn into difficult groups, but inshAllah, they will make us proud and qualify for the finals”.  

The boys’ handball tournament will see Bahrain grouped with Jordan and Thailand in Group A. Kuwait, China, and India make up Group B, while Iran, the UAE, Kazakhstan, and Hong Kong contest Group C. Group D contains Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Uzbekistan, and the Maldives.

In boys’ volleyball, Bahrain will face Pakistan and Mongolia in Group A. Group B is made up of Iran, China, and Qatar, with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia in Group C. Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Indonesia complete Group D. In the girls’ competition, Bahrain are drawn in Group A with Iran and Qatar. Group B features China, Hong Kong, and Jordan, while Group C contains Chinese Taipei, Kazakhstan, and Indonesia. Group D brings together Thailand, Korea, and the Philippines.

Nationwide Venues

Futsal, handball, and volleyball competitions will take place at several venues across Bahrain. Isa Sports City in Riffa will host futsal and volleyball, along with athletics, badminton, kabaddi, and 3x3 basketball. The Bahrain Handball Federation Arena in Umm Al Hassam will hold handball matches, and Khalifa Sports City in Isa Town will also host futsal and swimming.

Other events will be held at different locations: combat sports, table tennis, weightlifting, and E-sports at Exhibition World Bahrain in Sakhir; beach wrestling and beach volleyball at Sama Bay in Muharraq; golf at the Royal Golf Club in Riffa; camel racing at the Bahrain Royal Endurance Village in Zallaq; and road cycling and triathlon at the Nasser bin Hamad Loop in Zallaq.

Held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Games will feature athletes aged 14 to 18 from 45 Asian nations, competing in 24 sports and 253 events. Duaij emphasized that “all of this is according to the plan of HH Shaikh Khalid,” stressing Bahrain’s meticulous preparation to deliver  high-quality competition.

This is the first Asian Youth Games since 2013 in Nanjing, China, after planned editions in 2017 and 2021 were cancelled. The competition is Asia’s second-largest multi-sport event, behind the Asian Games, and serves as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.