Manama, Bahrain, May 14, 2025: A good balance and a strong sense of adventure are two prerequisites for anyone hoping to become a camel racer says Linda Krockenberger, the official representing camel racing at the 1st Technical Delegates Meeting for the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in October.
Krockenberger, Sports Services Manager with World Camelid Sports – the world governing body – was among the technical delegates from 24 sports who were attending the AYG meetings in Bahrain on Wednesday, May 14.
“You have to be up for an adventure,” Linda laughs. “You have to be physically fit, have endurance and a good balance, but most importantly you must be willing to embrace adventure.”
Camel Racing will be making its continental multi-sports games debut in October, thanks to the bold decision by the Olympic Council of Asia to recognise the sport.
In February this year the OCA recognised World Camelids Sports which was originally known as the International Camel Racing Federation. The President of WCS is Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also Vice President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee.
There are 60 member federations. Eight of them have signed up for the sport’s multi-sports games debut at the Bahrain AYG from October 22-31. They are: hosts Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iran, India, Philippines and Mongolia.
“We have eight countries signed up so far but we hope to get at least 20 by the time the games come around,” says Ali bin Fadhel, Vice President of Bahrain Traditional Sports Federation.
“We will be providing the camels for all competitors, so all that is needed is to turn up,” added Fadhel, who with Linda were representing the sport at the TD meeting.
Delegates were informed that Saudi Arabia would run training camps in the run-up to the Bahrain AYG for athletes who would be adventurous enough to compete in the sport.
“I rode horses back in Germany. But now I have fallen in love with this new sport. Camel racing is fun and full of thrills,” says Linda.
At the AYG, there will only be two events in camel racing, a men’s 500 metres individual race and a similar distance for women.
“This is just the start for us. We are pushing for camel racing to be included in the 2030 Asian Games in Doha, and the 2034 Asian Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,” reveals Linda.
