Sri Lanka’s Youth Surge: Largest-Ever Squad Sent to Asian Games Bahrain 2025

Khoshnaw Rahmani, Jadetimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering sport.

---

Image Source: Sri Lanka NOC

Sri Lanka is set to make history at the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Manama, Bahrain, by sending its largest-ever youth contingent to a continental multi-sport event. With 100 athletes competing across 12 disciplines, the island nation is signaling a bold investment in youth development, international exposure, and sporting excellence. The Games, scheduled from October 22 to 31, 2025, will feature over 4,000 athletes from 45 countries, making it one of the most anticipated youth sporting events in Asia.

Team Sri Lanka: By the Numbers

• Total delegation size: 150

• Athletes: 100 (56 boys, 44 girls)

• Team officials: 31

• Delegation officials: 19

• Chef de Mission: Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Manjula Dissanayake

• Deputy Chef de Mission: Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura

Sports Disciplines Represented

Sri Lanka’s young athletes will compete in the following 12 sports:

• Athletics

• Badminton

• Basketball (3x3)

• Boxing

• Esports

• Golf

• Kabaddi

• Swimming

• Taekwondo

• Beach Volleyball

• Weightlifting

• Wrestling

This diverse lineup reflects Sri Lanka’s growing emphasis on both traditional and emerging sports, with esports making its debut in the youth delegation.

Flag Bearers and Rising Stars

Two standout athletes will lead the Sri Lankan contingent during the opening ceremony:

• Janidu Dhananjaya – National No. 1 in youth boxing (under-18 category)

• Dilini Nethsala – Promising long jumper with national and regional accolades

Their selection symbolizes the country’s commitment to nurturing talent across both combat and track-and-field disciplines.

Strategic Significance

The record-breaking squad is more than a numerical milestone—it represents a strategic shift in Sri Lanka’s sports policy. Key objectives include:

• Youth development: Providing international exposure to athletes aged 14–17

• Gender balance: Ensuring equitable representation across male and female categories

• Sporting diplomacy: Strengthening regional ties through participation in pan-Asian events

• Talent pipeline: Identifying future Olympians and national champions through early competition

Timeline: Sri Lanka’s Road to the Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025

Early 2025 – Planning Phase

• National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) begins discussions with sports federations.

• Initial athlete identification camps held across provinces.

• Training venues allocated: Sugathadasa Stadium, provincial sports complexes, and specialized academies.

Mid-2025 – Selection and Preparation

• National trials conducted in athletics, boxing, swimming, and other disciplines.

• Esports and beach volleyball included for the first time in a youth delegation.

• Shortlisted athletes undergo medical checks, fitness assessments, and skill evaluations.

October 9, 2025 – Team Briefing

• Official team briefing and press conference in Colombo.

• Athletes, officials, sponsors, and media gather at Independence Square.

• Chef de Mission outlines preparation strategy; Deputy Chef de Mission delivers motivational address.

October 11, 2025 – Final Squad Announcement

• Sri Lanka unveils its largest-ever youth squad: 100 athletes across 12 sports.

• Flag bearers announced: Janidu Dhananjaya (Boxing) and Dilini Nethsala (Long Jump).

• Team attire and ceremonial kits presented by sponsors.

October 18–20, 2025 – Departure to Bahrain

• Delegation departs Colombo in groups.

• Arrival in Manama followed by acclimatization training sessions.

• Athletes settle into the Games Village at Exhibition World Bahrain.

October 22, 2025 – Opening Ceremony

• Sri Lanka’s contingent marches proudly with national flag.

• Janidu Dhananjaya and Dilini Nethsala lead the team as flag bearers.

• Over 4,000 athletes from 45 countries participate in the grand opening.

October 23–30, 2025 – Competition Days

• Sri Lankan athletes compete in 12 sports, from athletics to esports.

• Daily updates highlight medal hopefuls and breakthrough performances.

• Youth athletes gain invaluable international exposure.

October 31, 2025 – Closing Ceremony

• Games conclude with cultural performances and medal tally announcements.

• Sri Lanka celebrates its largest-ever youth participation, regardless of medal count, as a milestone in sports development.

Historical Context

This marks Sri Lanka’s most significant youth participation since the inception of the Asian Youth Games in 2009. Previous editions saw smaller delegations due to logistical and budgetary constraints. The cancelled 2017 Hambantota edition and the pandemic-related disruption of 2021 left a gap in youth-level continental competition, making Bahrain 2025 a symbolic return to form.

Regional Comparison

While Sri Lanka leads in athlete count this year, other South Asian nations such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal are also sending sizable delegations. However, Sri Lanka’s emphasis on diversity of disciplines and gender parity sets it apart. The inclusion of esports and beach volleyball reflects a modernized approach to youth engagement.

Institutional Support and Sponsorship

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka has played a central role in organizing logistics, training camps, and athlete welfare.

• Attire sponsors: Carnage (team kits), LOVI (ceremonial wear)

• Medical and nutrition partners: Sri Lanka Sports Medicine Association

• Training venues: Sugathadasa Stadium, Duncan White Auditorium, and provincial sports complexes

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the enthusiasm, Sri Lanka’s youth athletes face challenges such as limited international exposure, funding constraints, and uneven access to high-performance coaching. However, the Bahrain 2025 Games offer:

• Benchmarking against Asia’s best

• Networking with regional federations

• Scouting opportunities for future scholarships and training programs

Sri Lanka’s participation in the Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025 is a landmark moment for the country’s sporting future. With its largest-ever youth squad, the nation is not only aiming for medals but also laying the foundation for long-term athletic development. As the Games unfold, all eyes will be on Team Sri Lanka—not just for podium finishes, but for the promise of a new generation rising.