The Technical and Sports Affairs Department of the National Olympic Committee held a coordination meeting with sports federations to review preparations for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, scheduled in the Kingdom of Bahrain from 22 to 31 October. The Games are set to feature approximately 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian nations, competing in 24 sports across 253 events, including 124 for boys and 114 for girls.
Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tayeb, Director of the Technical and Sports Affairs Department, outlined the event details, competition schedule, and programme highlights, noting the debut of equestrian (endurance), jiu-jitsu, and muay thai. He described this as a historic milestone, reflecting the rapid development of Asian sports and fostering cultural and sporting exchanges among young athletes.
Al Tayeb explained that the Games, dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18, serve as a qualifying platform for the Youth Olympic Games “Dakar 2026.” They provide an ideal stage for discovering emerging talent and preparing a new generation of athletes capable of competing in major international events, including the senior Asian Games and the Olympic Games. The Games also offer participants valuable international exposure, boosting their confidence and supporting both their sporting and personal development.
He added that participation further provides an important opportunity to assess athletes’ performance, identify strengths and development needs, and promote cooperation and exchange through partnerships in training, twinning programmes, and knowledge sharing.
Nasser Abdulhakim Belshalat, a member of the National Olympic Committee’s administrative team and a safeguarding officer accredited by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), delivered a presentation on the “Safeguarding Asian Games” initiative launched by the OCA. The initiative aims to uphold sporting integrity and ensure a safe and supportive environment for athletes, whether in competition venues, accommodation, transport facilities, or digital platforms.
The OCA and the organising committee have confirmed 24 sports for the Games programme: swimming, athletics, badminton, 3×3 basketball, boxing, camel racing, cycling, equestrian, eSports, futsal, golf, handball, jiu-jitsu, judo, kabaddi, mixed martial arts, muay thai, table tennis, taekwondo, teqball, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, and wrestling.
(Inputs from WAM)
