Saudi Arabia concluded its participation in the third Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, with a total of 22 medals, according to an official report from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The Kingdom’s young athletes secured five gold, four silver, and 13 bronze medals across various disciplines, demonstrating the nation’s growing strength in youth sports. The games concluded on October 31, 2025, with a closing ceremony that saw the official handover to Uzbekistan, confirmed as the host for the fourth edition in 2029.
Context and Background
The Asian Youth Games, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, serve as a premier continental platform for athletes aged 14 to 17. Saudi Arabia’s participation is a key component of its national sports strategy, managed by the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Olympic & Paralympic Committee. The Kingdom’s delegation to Bahrain reflects a significant, state-supported investment in identifying and nurturing athletic talent from a young age, aligning with broader goals of promoting active lifestyles and national pride. The event featured 45 participating nations from across Asia, competing in a multi-sport festival designed to foster friendship and future Olympic potential.
Key Details of Saudi Performance
The official SPA report confirmed the medal haul without specifying individual events or athletes, indicating the results were compiled from official games records. The five gold medals represent top-tier achievements, while the breadth of success is shown by the additional 17 silver and bronze medals. This performance follows a pattern of increasing Saudi competitiveness in age-group international competitions, a trend actively encouraged by national sports authorities. The closing ceremony in Manama included a parade of nations and cultural performances before the symbolic handover of the Asian Youth Games flag to representatives from Uzbekistan.
Implications and Impact
Saudi Arabia’s medal count positions it as a notable competitor among Asian sporting nations at the youth level. This success has immediate and long-term implications. In the short term, it boosts the profile of Saudi sports internationally and provides valuable major-games experience for a cohort of young athletes. Regionally, it reinforces the Kingdom’s active and successful engagement in pan-Asian institutions and events. The confirmation of Uzbekistan as the next host in 2029 sets the stage for future planning, with Saudi sports bodies likely to begin preparations to build on the 2025 results. The performance also serves as an indicator of the effectiveness of domestic youth sports programs and academies.
Vision 2030 Alignment
The achievement at the Asian Youth Games directly supports the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the national transformation framework. Under the Vision’s ‘Vibrant Society’ pillar, fostering a thriving sports culture is a key priority. Success on the international stage, particularly at youth levels, inspires greater participation in sports across the Kingdom, contributes to community health, and builds national unity. Furthermore, it showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to excellence and positive international engagement. As the Kingdom continues to invest in sports infrastructure and youth development, these results in Manama mark a progressive step toward realizing its goal of becoming a leading nation in sport, capable of hosting major global events and cultivating champions who represent the dynamism and potential of the new Saudi Arabia.