Al Sakhir, Mahmood Rafique, Editor: With the official opening of the 3rd Asian Youth Games on Wednesday, the Kingdom of Bahrain has become as a world-class destination on the global sporting map.
The opening ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games, from October 22nd to October 31st, 2025, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at the Exhibition World and His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who was deputed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, opened the games officially at an impressive ceremony.
The Kingdom of Bahrain has been at the forefront of developing sports aims fostering the next generation of sporting excellence and leadership setting new standards for young sporting events in the region.
The event marked a significant milestone in the history of Asian multi-sport events, not only as the official launch of the third edition of the Asian Youth Games, but also as the first ceremony of its kind to be held indoors.
The Kingdom’s Bahrain’s efforts for supporting sports has yielded positive results as the Kingdom selected to host the 3rd Asian Youth Games in which over 8,000 athletes from 45 nations and territories are participating. In terms of infrastructure the event is divided on 20 venues which will witness 26 sports over the next nine days proving Bahrain’s capacity to host a global sporting event.
This move departs from the long-standing tradition of outdoor stadium settings and reflects a forward-looking approach to the presentation of sporting ceremonies across the continent.
The ceremony which held at Exhibition World in Sakhir, attended by high-level officials, a broad public audience, and representatives from 45th Asian National Olympic Committees, alongside prominent figures from the international and regional sports community and participating delegations.
The ceremony featured an artistic programme that brings together contemporary performance with elements of Bahrain’s cultural heritage. Through a series of creative segments, it will highlight the Kingdom’s story, from its ancient roots to its present-day development, delivered in a format that balances tradition with modern expression. The performance will also reflect a spirit of unity and cooperation, in line with the values that sport and cultural exchange continue to promote across Asia.
The programme features a sequence of events beginning with the arrival of the ceremony’s patron and the entry of the military police, followed by the playing of Bahrain’s national anthem, marking the official start of proceedings. A countdown to the opening of the Games will then take place, leading to artistic performances and the Parade of Nations.
The ceremony concluded with official speeches, culminating in the most symbolic and anticipated moment: the raising of the Games flag and the lighting of the Asian flame, which will remain lit throughout the competition. This flame will stand as a lasting symbol of passion, ambition, and the spirit of challenge that brings together the continent’s youth on Bahraini soil.
