Bahrain wraps up Asian Games campaign with 22 medals and historic handball gold

The Kingdom of Bahrain concluded its participation in the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with a total of 22 medals, comprising 11 gold, five silver and six bronze.

The Games, hosted by Japan since September 19, are scheduled to conclude on October 4.

Bahrain's medal haul featured strong performances across several sports, with athletics accounting for the largest share. Bahraini athletes secured 13 athletics medals, including nine gold, two silver and two bronze, highlighting the Kingdom's strong showing in the discipline.

A landmark achievement came from the Bahrain men's national handball team, which claimed its first Asian Games gold medal after defeating Qatar 33-32 in the final.

The victory marked a historic milestone for the team, which reached the Asian Games final for the third consecutive edition.

In athletics, Bahraini runner Winfred Yavi secured multiple gold medals, while Birhanu Balew won gold in the men's 5,000 metres. Bahrain also collected medals in various track events and relay races, further contributing to its overall tally.

Bahrain added another gold medal in swimming, with Mikhail Arkhangelsky winning the men's 50-metre butterfly. Mixed martial arts contributed two silver medals to the Kingdom's medal count.

In weightlifting, Ingrid Grueso secured a podium finish, while Alina Marushchak won silver in the 86kg category, finishing one kilogram behind the gold medallist. Gor Minasyan claimed bronze in the over-110kg category.

In judo, Sukhrob Boqiev won bronze in the under-66kg category, while wrestler Shamil Sharipov completed Bahrain's medal tally with bronze in the 125kg category after securing a 9-0 victory in the bronze medal contest.

Bahrain's performance reflected its achievements across a diverse range of individual and team sports, further contributing to the Kingdom's presence at the continental sporting event.

Ahmed Abdul Ghaffar, Head of the Bahrain Delegation, honoured the volunteers accompanying the delegation and the drivers responsible for transporting members of the administrative and media teams throughout the Games.

Abdul Ghaffar expressed appreciation for their efforts and contributions in supporting the Bahraini delegation and facilitating its work from the start of the competitions through to the conclusion of Bahrain's participation.