ESPORTS is set to make its debut at the third Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain, marking a historic step for competitive gaming and signalling a growing recognition of digital sports in the region.
The disciple will feature three popular game titles – eFootball, Street Fighter 6 and Rocket League – all of which are staples in major international tournaments.
The AYG will be held under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad, from October 22 to 31.
The opening ceremony will take place at Exhibition World Bahrain, Sakhir marking the first time the ceremony is held indoors.
Other venues include the BDF Equestrian Centre in Sakhir for jumping and the Bahrain International Endurance Village for endurance events.
Bahraini gamer Rashid Al Ruwaihi, left, after winning third place in the recent GCC Esports League
This will mark the first time Bahrain is hosting the Games, welcoming more than 4,000 male and female athletes representing 45 national Olympic committees.
Bahrain Olympic Committee deputy chairman Ahmed Abdulghaffar said the Games executive committee is working to finalise preparations for the event, affirming that all committees are actively collaborating to ensure a successful hosting.
Mr Abdulghaffar
Meanwhile, players from around 32 countries are expected to set the stage – and screens – alight in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive Esports tournament.
Bahrain Esports Federation secretary general Zainab Al Turabi expressed her pride in Bahrain hosting the inaugural tournament.
Ms Al Turabi
“It’s a proud moment to see Eports make its debut at the Third Asian Youth Games here in the kingdom,” said Ms Al Turabi.
“This step shows how much the sport has grown and how important it is for today’s youth.
“It gives our players a big chance to shine and helps us build a strong future for Esports in the region.
“We are proud to share that athletes from 32 countries are expected to take part in the competitions, making it a truly diverse and international event.”
The event will be governed by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation under the authority of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
This inclusion comes as part of a broader push to promote non-traditional sports among youth and to help grow Esports.
It was already featured as a medal sport in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, which saw the participation of four Bahraini players. It will make its return in the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya with 11 titles expected to be included.
As for the tournament formats, eFootball and Street Fighter 6, both of which are 1v1, will begin with a group stage in a round robin format, allowing each player to compete against several opponents. The top players from each group will then move on to the knockout stage until the finals.
For Rocket League, which will be 3v3, teams will also start in groups, with the best advancing to the knockout rounds to determine the champions.
Each title will have separate tournaments for boys and girls, meaning a total of six medals will be up for grabs. Participants should be aged between 15 and 18 at the time of the tournament.
Bahrain will have five participants, all male, including three in Rocket League, one in Street Fighter and one in eFootball.
Ms Al Turabi has confirmed that Bahrain will have a team that will participate in every event, and that the federation is going all out to ensure that the matches go as smoothly as possible.
“We recently organised national qualifiers to select the best players,” she said.
“Now we are in the process of appointing coaches to guide them in their preparations leading up to the tournament in October.
“We are putting strong infrastructure in place to ensure the competition runs smoothly.
“This includes high-speed Internet connections, dedicated gaming PS5 and consoles, professional monitors, and secured servers.
“Additionally, we will have backup systems, technical support teams and well-equipped player areas to provide a professional and seamless experience for all participants.
“We have strict anti-cheating protocols in place. All matches will be played on secured systems with official equipment, and referees will monitor the games closely.”
Ms Al Turabi added that she hoped the event will inspire young players in Bahrain to see Esports as a serious path where they can compete, grow and achieve their dreams.
“By giving them the chance to represent their country on an international stage, we aim to build confidence, open new opportunities and lay the foundation for a strong Esports future in Bahrain,” she said.
“Esports connects strongly with the younger generation because it combines competition with the digital world they are already part of.
“Unlike traditional sports, it’s more accessible – anyone with a console or computer can take part.
“It also creates a global community where young people can compete, learn and make friends across borders, which makes it very exciting and engaging for them.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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