Dubai, 11th September 2025 – The National Olympic Committee’s Technical and Sports Affairs Department held a coordination meeting with various sports federations to review preparations for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which will be hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain from 22 to 31 October. This major sporting event is expected to attract approximately 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries, competing 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 at the Committee, provided an overview of the event’s details, competition schedule, and the comprehensive sports programme. Notably, he highlighted the debut of equestrian (endurance), jiu-jitsu, and muay thai at the Games, describing this development as a “historic milestone reflecting the rapid growth of Asian sport while strengthening cultural and sporting exchange among youth.”
He explained that the Games, dedicated to athletes aged 14 to 18, will serve as a qualification platform for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. The event was described as 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.” Participants will benefit from invaluable international exposure, building their confidence and supporting both their sporting and personal development.
Al Tayeb emphasized that participation also allows for the assessment of athletes’ performance, helping to identify strengths and areas for development, while promoting cooperation through training partnerships, twinning programmes, and knowledge sharing.
During the meeting, 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. This OCA initiative aims to uphold sporting integrity and ensure a safe and supportive environment for athletes, covering competition venues, accommodation, transport, and digital platforms.
The OCA and the Games’ organising committee have confirmed the 24 sports included in 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.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
