Bahrain Concludes 3rd Asian Youth Games With 13 Medals, Ranks Second Among Arab Nations

The Kingdom of Bahrain concluded its participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa with an impressive total of 13 medals, including five gold, five silver, and three bronze, earning the Kingdom second place among Arab countries in the overall standings.

Bahraini athletes delivered exceptional performances across multiple sports, reflecting the continued progress of the nation’s sports sector and its growing competitive presence at the continental level. The achievements showcased the effectiveness of Bahrain’s youth development programs and the strategic support extended to emerging athletes through national sports institutions.

In weightlifting and mixed martial arts (MMA), Bahrain captured five gold medals two in weightlifting and three in MMA demonstrating the success of structured training systems and long-term investment in youth sports. Among the standout champions were Eldar Eldarov, who secured gold in the boys’ 60 kg MMA category; Abdulakim Babaev, who triumphed in the 65 kg division; and Ibragim Khalidov, who claimed victory in the 70 kg category. Their performances marked Bahrain’s first-ever gold medals at the Asian Youth Games in MMA, underscoring the nation’s growing influence in combat sports.

Silver medals were earned in 3×3 basketball, endurance, weightlifting, mixed martial arts, and pencak silat. Notably, Abdulla Qassim captured silver in the boys’ 51-55 kg pencak silat category, securing Bahrain’s first medal of the Games and setting the tone for the nation’s strong campaign. The three bronze medals came in handball, jiu-jitsu, and Muay Thai, highlighting the depth and versatility of Bahrain’s youth athletes across a wide range of disciplines.

In the endurance competition, Bahrain’s team achieved a silver medal after finishing second overall in the 119-kilometre race, completing the demanding course in 15 hours, 58 minutes, and 28 seconds. The riders displayed exceptional teamwork, discipline, and tactical awareness throughout the race, cementing Bahrain’s position among Asia’s top endurance teams.

These results reflect the vision and leadership of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), President of the General Sports Authority (GSA), and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC). His Highness’s continued commitment to nurturing young athletes has positioned Bahrain as a rising sporting nation.

As the Games concluded, Bahrain’s success reaffirmed the strength of its national sports strategy one that focuses on empowering youth, fostering elite athletic performance, and building a generation of athletes capable of representing the Kingdom with excellence on the international stage. The 13-medal achievement stands as a proud moment in Bahrain’s sporting journey, signaling even greater potential for future regional and global competitions.