National Olympic Committee Reviews Preparations For Upcoming Asian Youth Games In Bahrain

The National Olympic Committee's Technical and Sports Affairs Department recently held a meeting with sports federations. The focus was on preparations for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which Bahrain will host from 22 to 31 October. Approximately 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries will compete in 24 sports and 253 events, including 124 for boys and 114 for girls.

Ahmed Ibrahim Al Tayeb, Director of the Technical and Sports Affairs Department, shared key event details. He highlighted the inclusion of equestrian (endurance), jiu-jitsu, and muay thai for the first time. This addition marks a significant milestone in Asian sports development, enhancing cultural and sporting exchanges among young athletes.

The Games cater to athletes aged 14 to 18, serving 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.

Al Tayeb emphasised that these Games offer participants valuable international exposure. This experience boosts their confidence and supports both their sporting and personal development. It also allows for assessing athletes’ performance, identifying strengths and areas needing improvement.

Nasser Abdulhakim Belshalat, part of the National Olympic Committee’s administrative team, discussed the "Safeguarding Asian Games" initiative by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This initiative aims to maintain sporting integrity while ensuring a safe environment for athletes across all venues and platforms.

Comprehensive Sports Programme

The OCA and organising committee have confirmed a diverse programme featuring 24 sports. These include swimming, athletics, badminton, boxing, camel racing, cycling, eSports, futsal, golf, handball, judo, kabaddi, mixed martial arts, table tennis, taekwondo, teqball, triathlon, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling and more.

Participation in these Games also promotes cooperation through partnerships in training programmes. It encourages knowledge sharing among nations while fostering twinning programmes that benefit all involved parties.

The upcoming Asian Youth Games represent an important opportunity to showcase young talent from across Asia. They not only highlight athletic prowess but also strengthen cultural ties among participating nations through sport.

With inputs from WAM