Tashkent, Uzbekistan, November 12, 2025: The Olympic Council of Asia flag was solemnly raised at the headquarters of the Uzbekistan National Olympic Committee in Tashkent during a ceremony held last week to honour medal winners at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.
The symbolic move of raising the OCA flag was to underline the fact that Tashkent, Uzbekistan will host the next edition of the Asian Youth Games in 2029. According to local media, this marks the beginning of a new stage in the development of sports in the country.
Athletes - and their coaches - who took the podium in Bahrain were awarded one-time state cash prizes at the ceremony.
Uzbekistan finished second to China in the overall medal standings winning a total of 81 medals – 37 gold, 16, silver and 28 bronze. It was noted that the result is not only a figure, but also indicated the growth of the country’s sports potential.
The event was attended by the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for sport, Odil Abdurakhmanov, the leadership of the Ministry of Sport, officials of the NOC, prize-winners as well as their parents.
Abdurakhmanov, congratulating the young athletes, said in his speech: “You are the future champions. Raising the country’s flag high in the international arena is the dream of every athlete. Behind these successes lie dedication, discipline, and the work of mentors.”
