Manama, Bahrain, August 24, 2025: The Organising Committee of the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain has announced the age criteria for the October 22-31 showpiece.
As the Bahrain AYG will be a stepping stone for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, it will be crucial that the young competitors from the 45 Asian National Olympic Committees meet the age criteria per sport (see attached image).
The AYG technical committee has confirmed the age categories – broadly between 14 years and 18 years - for each of the 24 sports, and aligned with the regulations laid down by the Olympic Council of Asia, and the respective International Federations and Asian Federations.
The third edition of the AYG will not only be a significant platform showcasing young talent in the run-up to the Youth Olympics in Dakar, but it will also be a launch pad for future champions from Asia, with an eye on 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 24 sports in the AYG programme will also feature a number of non-Olympic sports including camel racing, kabaddi, MMA and teqball.
As host nation, Bahrain is committed to fostering a competitive environment that encourages young talent to excel and reach their full potential on the international stage.