THE third Asian Youth Games in Bahrain was officially opened last night in a glittering ceremony held at Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB).
The mega multi-sport event is being held under the royal patronage of His Majesty King Hamad. It is the biggest sporting occasion ever held in the kingdom, featuring more than 4,300 athletes, both boys and girls aged 14 to 18 years old, representing 45 National Olympic Committees from across the continent. They are vying for nearly 2,000 medals in 26 sports.
Amongst those in attendance last night were His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian work and youth affairs representative and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and SCYS deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Shaikh Khalid and Olympic Council of Asia vice-president Timothy Tsun Ting Fok gave opening addresses, while Shaikh Nasser officially declared the Games open.
A stunning and colourful dramatisation of Bahrain’s rich culture and history also took place, followed by the traditional parade of delegations. Carrying the kingdom’s flag and leading the Bahraini squad in the procession were triathlete Lulwa Al Doseri and mixed martial artist Abdulla Qahtan.
The lighting of the third Asian Youth Games’ torch was then held, featuring a number of young athletes and Bahrain’s former champion sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasra.
This year’s edition of the Asian Youth Games has been put together in record time – with the kingdom only being awarded the rights to organise the event in December of last year, following the withdrawal of Uzbekistan as hosts.
Fok praised Bahrain for stepping up in a “time of need”, thus reviving this event which has not been held since its previous edition in 2013 in Nanjing, China.
“A huge thanks to Bahrain in our time of need – it was you who put your hand up and told the Asian Olympic family that you are ready and willing to host the third Asian Youth Games,” Fok said during his address.
“Your wonderful gesture has revived the Games and the organising committee has done a marvellous job in putting together such a spectacular event.
“This is by far the largest Asian Youth Games ever with 26 sports. Thankfully, we in Asia have always stood by one another, and it is this brotherhood which has resulted in the record number of athletes and officials who have gathered here in this wonderful city for the opening of the third Asian Youth Games.”
Bahrain’s Chef de Mission and BOC executive director of operations Ahmed Abdulghaffar, who is also the Games’ executive committee deputy chairman, expressed his delight in the Games officially kicking off.
“It’s been a very quick 10 months ever since we started the execution and planning of these Games, and we’re happy that we’re finally at the opening ceremony,” Abdulghaffar told the GDN yesterday at the inauguration.
“We’re enjoying the moment as all the athletes who have started competing are here in their traditional dresses, and this opening ceremony is a great kick-off for this year’s Asian Youth Games.
“Starting tomorrow, we’ll have a full swing of different sports – athletes competing in all the disciplines – and this is what it’s all about. We’re all here to serve and create the best sporting environment for all our participants from across Asia.”
Bahrain’s weightlifting hopeful Zainab Husain shared Abdulghaffar’s enthusiasm. “I’m super proud of my country for being able to host such a huge competition and bring together so many different nations,” Husain told the GDN.
Top officials from the visiting delegations were also in high spirits at yesterday’s inauguration.
“It’s been wonderful being in Bahrain,” Malaysia’s Chef de Mission Farah Ann Binti Abdul Hadi told the GDN. “The Malaysian teams have started some competitions and we are very excited to continue and watch all the athletes shine.
“As this is an age-group competition, our goal here is for our athletes to do their very best – we’re here to support them, and we hope they have a fantastic time and give the best that they can do.”
Hong Kong’s Chef de Mission Kwan Yat Mok commented: “We are all really excited to be here. Thank you, Bahrain, for the excellent hospitality we have all received so far. All the athletes are really excited to be able to participate in this great event.”
The 26 sports that are a part of this year’s Asian Youth Games are athletics (track and field and cross country), 3x3 basketball, badminton, volleyball (indoor and beach), road cycling, equestrian (endurance and showjumping), futsal, golf, handball, Muay, jiu-jitsu, judo, kabaddi, mixed martial arts, table tennis, e-sports, taekwondo, wrestling (indoor and beach) boxing, triathlon, weightlifting, teqball, swimming, camel racing, pencak silat, and kurash.
The event is linked to the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal in 2026, with athletes aiming to secure qualification in their various events.
patrick@gdnmedia.bh
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