Manama, Bahrain, October 31, 2025: China underlined its reputation as Asia’s number one sporting nation as it topped the medal standings at the 3rd Asian Youth Games which ended on Friday, October 31.
The Chinese sporting juggernaut easily dominated the fortnight-long competition, finishing with a massive haul of 147 medals – 63 golds, 49 silver and 35 bronze medals – to emphasise the stranglehold it has over the rest of the continent.
The Chinese Olympic Committee, pleased with the performance of their new generation of athletes, stressed that the Bahrain outcome was only laying the foundation for a strong future for its young athletes.
“We are strengthening youth sports, promoting the integrated development of mass sports and competitive sports, and establishing diversified talent cultivation pathways to build a solid foundation for sports development,” the Chinese Olympic Committee said in a statement.
China’s main harvest of gold medals came in two sports which are considered the cornerstone of any multi-sports event – athletics where they won 20 golds, and swimming, 13 golds.
Weightlifting earned China nine gold medals and they ruled the fairways, winning all four gold medals in golf. Chinese athletes also achieved notable success in taekwondo (4) table tennis (3), judo (2), triathlon (2), and wrestling (2). They also won golds in basketball (3x3), badminton, beach volleyball and cycling (road).
China sent 288 athletes – 143 boys and 145 girls – and competed in 20 sports. They won gold medals across 13 different sports.
“The Chinese Olympic Committee and sports authorities at all levels will continue to provide these athletes with sustained training support, including professional coaching teams, advanced training facilities, and scientific training methods.
“We will also create more opportunities for the athletes to participate in high-level domestic and international event, thereby enhancing their competitive experience and international competitiveness,” the COC stated.
It added: “The Asian Youth Games is the largest multi-sport event in Asia. It provides young athletes from across Asia with a valuable platform for fair competition, showcasing their talent, and learning from one another.
“Participation enables them to accumulate valuable experience, enhance their competitive performance and mental resilience. At the same time, competing and interacting with outstanding athletes from other countries and regions helps broaden their horizons and allow them to learn from each other’s strengths.”
Uzbekistan secured second place in the medal standings winning 37 gold, 16 silver, and 28 bronze medals. Kazakhstan was third, 24-29-40, Iran fourth, 22-18-36, and Thailand fifth, 15-15-18.
India, Hong Kong China, United Arab Emirates, North Korea and Chinese Taipei completed the top-10 teams in Bahrain.
