The Kingdom of Bahrain is preparing to host the 3rd Asian Youth Games from October 22 to 31, 2025, in what promises to be a landmark event for youth sport across the continent. Under the patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and organized by the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the Games will welcome over 6,000 participants from 45 countries, competing in 24 sports across 23 venues.
Among them, weightlifting stands out for its athletic prestige and a bold new format.
A Historic Shift in Weightlifting
Scheduled from October 26 to 30 at the World Bahrain Exhibition Centre, the weightlifting competition introduces a major change:
-No total medals will be awarded — a first in the history of the Asian Youth Games.
– Instead, two separate medal events will be held for each of the 16 categories:
•Snatch
•Clean & Jerk
This results in 32 medal events, rewarding technical specialization and reducing physical strain on youth athletes.
Weight categories are as follows:
Men:
56 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 71 kg, 79 kg, 88 kg, 94 kg, +94 kg
Women:
44 kg, 48 kg, 53 kg, 58 kg, 63 kg, 69 kg, 77 kg, +77 kg
The event will be supervised by the Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) and will feature state-of-the-art equipment, AI-supported scoring systems, and international-level referees — ensuring that both performance and integrity remain at the highest standard.
Nations with strong youth programs such as Uzbekistan, China, Iran, Thailand, and Kazakhstan are expected to field top contenders.
Shahab, Najm & Dana: The Faces of the Games
In a tribute to Bahraini heritage and youth energy, the official mascots of the Games were revealed at a recent press event:
•“Shahab”, the main mascot, is an Arabian Oryx symbolizing vitality, strength, and ambition — qualities at the heart of youth sports.
•Supporting mascots “Najm” and “Dana” act as ambassadors of hope and hospitality, welcoming guests and representing the culture and warmth of the Kingdom.
Together, the trio aims to connect tradition with innovation, youth spirit with sporting excellence.
With modern infrastructure, digital platforms, and a clear vision for youth development, Bahrain 2025 is not just a sporting event — it’s a celebration of the future of Asia.
