Asian Youth Games 2025: 222 Indian Athletes Compete Across 21 Sports, Win 24 Medals So Far in Bahrain

India’s young athletes have so far clinched 24 medals — three gold, 10 silver, and 11 bronze — with Odisha’s Priteesmita Bhoi setting a world record in weightlifting.

Indian athletes are making the nation proud at the ongoing 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025, being held in Manama, Bahrain, where a strong contingent of 222 athletes — including 119 women and 103 men — is competing across 21 sports disciplines.

The Asian Youth Games (AYG), a multi-sport continental event for young athletes under the age of 18, has returned after a 12-year gap since its last edition in Nanjing, China (2013). The 2025 edition, running from October 22 to 31, marks the third edition of the games, though some preliminary events began as early as October 19.

India’s Strong Representation Across Sports

India’s largest representation comes from athletics, featuring 31 athletes, followed by kabaddi (28), handball (16), and boxing (14). Additionally, 10 Indian athletes each are competing in taekwondo, wrestling, and weightlifting — highlighting the country’s growing strength in combat and strength-based sports.

The event holds immense significance as it also serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, which will be hosted in Dakar, Senegal.

Overall, athletes from 45 national federations are vying for a total of 1,677 medals, including 505 gold, 503 silver, and 669 bronze.

Historic Gold and World Record by Priteesmita Bhoi

India’s standout performance so far has come from Priteesmita (Preetismita) Bhoi, the 15-year-old weightlifter from Dhenkanal, Odisha, who has scripted history in the girls’ 44 kg weightlifting category.

Bhoi clinched India’s first individual gold medal of the competition with a total lift of 158 kg, including a world youth record in the Clean & Jerk event with a massive 92 kg lift. This incredible feat also set a new Asian record, underlining her dominance on the continental stage.

Clean & Jerk: A two-part Olympic-style weightlifting movement where the lifter first raises the barbell to the shoulders (“clean”) and then overhead in one motion (“jerk”). Setting a world record in this event is a hallmark of both strength and technical mastery.

Her record-breaking performance not only secured gold for India but also earned her global recognition. “Her dedication and determination inspire the entire nation,” said officials, hailing her as a rising star in Indian sports.

Medal Rush for India: 24 and Counting

As of now, India has won a total of 24 medals at the Asian Youth Games 2025, comprising three gold, 10 silver, and 11 bronze.

India’s medal run began with Khushi, aged 15, who won India’s first medal — a bronze — in the girls’ 70 kg kurash event. Soon after, Kanishka Bidhuri and Arvind added to the tally with more medals in kurash, a form of traditional Central Asian wrestling that combines elements of judo and grappling.

In athletics, Ranjana Yadav opened India’s account by winning silver in the girls’ 5000m race walk, showcasing endurance and precision in the demanding long-distance walking event.

The Indian girls’ kabaddi team then clinched India’s first gold medal of the competition, defeating the Islamic Republic of Iran in a thrilling final. The boys’ kabaddi team followed with a bronze, maintaining India’s traditional dominance in the sport.

Meanwhile, India’s boxing contingent is showing strong promise. Khushi Chand, Ahaana Sharma, Chandrika Pujari, and Anshika have all advanced to the semi-finals of their respective categories, thereby assuring the nation of additional medals in the coming days.

India’s Performance Through the Years

India has consistently improved its performance in the Asian Youth Games since the event’s inception.

• In the 2009 inaugural edition held in Singapore, India won 11 medals — including five gold, three silver, and three bronze.

• In the 2013 Nanjing edition, Indian athletes competed under the Olympic flag due to administrative reasons but still managed an impressive 14 medals — three gold, four silver, and seven bronze.

Now, in Manama 2025, the new generation of Indian youth athletes is carrying forward that legacy with renewed determination and world-class performances.

China Leads Medal Tally; India in Top 10

As of the latest standings, China continues to lead the medals table at the Asian Youth Games 2025, consistent with its top finishes in both previous editions. India currently stands ninth, signaling its growing strength in youth-level international sports and reflecting the success of its grassroots training and youth development programs.

A Promising Future for Indian Youth Sports

The Asian Youth Games 2025 is more than just a competition — it’s a platform shaping the future Olympians of India. With record-breaking performances like that of Priteesmita Bhoi, inspired wins by the kabaddi teams, and promising results across athletics and combat sports, India’s young athletes are showcasing both talent and tenacity on the international stage.

As the event continues in Manama, Bahrain, all eyes are on the next generation of Indian sports stars who are lifting, running, and fighting their way into history — one medal at a time.