Bahrain to host Asian Youth Games in 2025

Bahrain will take the lead in hosting the 3rd Asian Youth Games in 2025. The decision was reached during the Olympic Council of Asia or OCA's Executive Board Meeting, following the cancellation of the event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

"The Olympic Council of Asia announces that the 3rd Asian Youth Games, scheduled to be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, will be held in Bahrain in 2025. The decision was made at a meeting of the organization's executive committee held today, December 2," the OCA stated.

The statement follows Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to the Olympic Village location, where the games were scheduled to take place, on September 10.

The competition, intended for athletes aged 14-17 from 43 countries across nine sports, was moved after Uzbekistan's National Olympic Committee notified the OCA that it would not be able to finish the Olympic Village on time due to logistical and organizational issues.

Plans for the Asian Youth Games have already begun, and officials say they are confident Bahrain will provide a memorable experience. It is anticipated that venues like the Bahrain National Stadium and Khalifa Sports City will be crucial to staging the Games.

Bahrain's hosting of the Games solidifies its standing as a top location for important athletic events, creating a legacy that will extend beyond 2025.