Asian Youth Games 2025: Bahrain
- Khoshnaw Rahmani
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff
K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.
A Historic Return for the Asian Youth Games
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025, officially the third edition of the Games, will be staged in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 22 to 31 October 2025. This will be the first time Bahrain hosts a continental multi-sport event, and it marks the return of the AYG after a 12-year hiatus.
The Games are expected to welcome over 4,000 athletes aged 14 to 18 from more than 45 Asian nations and regions, competing in 26 sports across 32 disciplines, with 259 medal events. Importantly, the AYG also serves as a qualifying pathway for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, making Bahrain 2025 a vital stepping stone for Asia’s next generation of Olympians.
Host Selection and Organization
The hosting rights for the 2025 AYG were originally awarded to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2019. However, in 2024 the Olympic Council of Asia reassigned the Games to Bahrain, citing the Kingdom’s readiness and infrastructure.
The event is being organized by the Bahrain Asian Youth Games Organizing Committee (BAYGOC) under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, with oversight from the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
The main venue will be Exhibition World Bahrain, which will host the opening and closing ceremonies as well as several indoor competitions. Other venues include Isa Sports City and the Bahrain National Stadium, both of which have undergone upgrades to meet international standards.
Sports Program
The 2025 AYG will feature a diverse program designed to reflect both traditional and emerging sports popular among Asian youth:
Aquatics: swimming, diving
Athletics: track and field events
Gymnastics
Martial Arts: judo, taekwondo, karate, wushu
Team Sports: football, basketball, handball, volleyball
Racquet Sports: badminton, table tennis, tennis
Cycling
Esports: making its debut at the Youth Games
Urban Sports: skateboarding and other youth-driven disciplines
In total, 26 sports and 32 disciplines will be contested, with more than 1,600 medals awarded.
Cultural and Youth Legacy
The AYG is not only about competition—it is also a cultural and educational platform. Bahrain 2025 will include:
Youth leadership forums to promote education, leadership, and cross-cultural dialogue
Volunteer programs engaging thousands of Bahraini students and young professionals
Cultural showcases featuring music, dance, and cuisine from across Asia
Sustainability initiatives, including eco-friendly venues and awareness campaigns on climate action
The Games’ official slogan, “Your Time, Your Game”, reflects the mission to empower young athletes and inspire future leaders.
Political and Regional Significance
For Bahrain, hosting the AYG is both a sporting milestone and a diplomatic opportunity. It strengthens the Kingdom’s reputation as a hub for sports tourism, youth development, and international cooperation.
Regionally, the Games highlight how smaller nations can successfully host large-scale events, proving that world-class infrastructure and organization are not limited to the largest economies. For Asia, the return of the AYG after more than a decade signals renewed commitment to youth sport as a foundation for the Olympic movement.
Bahrain’s Defining Moment
The Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain will be more than a sporting event—it will be a continental celebration of youth, culture, and unity. With 4,000 athletes, 45 nations, 26 sports, and 259 medal events, the Games promise to inspire a new generation while showcasing Bahrain’s capacity to host global events.
As the countdown to 22 October 2025 begins, Bahrain is preparing not just to welcome Asia’s youth, but to write a new chapter in the history of sport and cultural diplomacy.
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