Sakhir: The 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) was officially inaugurated on 22 October 2025 in the Kingdom of Bahrain, marking the commencement of the largest youth multi-sport event on the continent. The Games, running from October 22 to 31, host over 6,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries.
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa deputized His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty the King for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), to formally announce the opening of the Games.
In his keynote address, His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa underscored the long-term vision behind the event. “The Kingdom’s hosting of the 3rd Asian Youth Games is the result of the vision and care of His Majesty the King, who believes that youth are the cornerstone of national development,” said HH Shaikh Nasser. He characterized the occasion as “not just a sports celebration but the beginning of a new era for Asia’s youth, one where ambitions come together under the banner of Bahrain.”
His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the SCYS, Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), delivered a welcoming speech emphasizing the tournament’s profound impact.
“This event… represents Asian unity and shows that sport serves as a bridge between nations and a source of pride for Asia’s youth,” HH Shaikh Khalid stated. He further highlighted the Games’ crucial role, stating they are “a platform for discovering and nurturing future Olympic champions who will represent Asia.”
The Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) commended the host nation’s execution, affirming that the OCA’s confidence in Bahrain was well-founded given the team’s expertise in flawless organization, noting the extensive and impressive preparations for the Games.
The opening ceremony, held in Manama, was a breathtaking display of traditional Bahraini authenticity blended with Asian heritage and modern technology. The proceedings included the arrival of the Deputy Patron, the playing of the national anthem, and a powerful performance featuring the traditional Bahraini Ardah and the Royal Military Band of the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF).
The athlete delegations from the 45 participating nations were warmly welcomed, with Bahrain’s mixed martial arts and wrestling athlete Abdullah Jamal Ahmed and triathlon athlete Lulwa Tariq Al Dosari proudly raising the national flag. The ceremony concluded with the lighting of the Olympic torch by former Olympic athletics champion Ruqaya Al Ghasra, officially marking the start of competition.
About the 3rd Asian Youth Games: The 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) is a pan-Asian multi-sport event for youth athletes. Hosted in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the 2025 edition will feature over 6,000 participants from 45 countries, competing across various disciplines from October 22-31, 2025.
