Manama, Bahrain – October 30, 2025.
The weightlifting competition of the 3rd Asian Youth Games Bahrain 2025, held from October 26-30 at Exhibition World Bahrain, concluded with remarkable performances, record-breaking lifts, and a celebration of Asia’s future champions.
A total of 152 athletes from 26 countries – including 88 boys and 64 girls – competed across 16 weight categories (8 men’s and 8 women’s). Each category awarded two sets of medals for Snatch and Clean & Jerk events separately, with the national anthem played twice – a new and exciting competition format introduced for the first time. The Asian Weightlifting Federation (AWF) has announced plans to adopt this innovative format for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
A Record-Breaking Championship
The five-day event witnessed an extraordinary 128 records being set:
• 71 Games Records
• 36 Asian Youth Records
• 21 World Youth Records
These achievements underlined the continuous development of youth weightlifting and the growing competitiveness across Asia.
China Leads the Medal Standings
China dominated the overall medal table with 19 medals (9 gold, 6 silver, 4 bronze), continuing its legacy of excellence in youth development.
Uzbekistan delivered a strong second-place finish with 13 medals (7 gold, 2 silver, 4 bronze), powered by balanced performances from both its boys’ and girls’ teams.
DPR Korea followed in third with 8 medals (6 gold, 2 silver), while Kazakhstan and Iran each earned 9 medals.
The host nation Bahrain made history by winning two gold and one silver medal, an achievement that thrilled the local crowd and marked a milestone for the nation’s youth weightlifting program.
In total, 16 nations reached the podium, reflecting the growing parity and depth of talent in Asian weightlifting.
Highlights from the Platform
Girls’ 53 kg: Six Youth World Records Shared Among Top Lifters
The Girls’ 53 kg category produced a fierce battle between Pak Hae Yon (PRK), Y Lien (VIE), and PERALTA Jhodie (PHI).
The three young lifters collectively set six Youth World Records, with new marks achieved in both Snatch and Clean & Jerk.
Pak Hae Yon ultimately secured double gold, lifting 88 kg in Snatch and 107 kg in Clean & Jerk, while Y Lien and Peralta also broke records during the session – making it one of the most remarkable events of the Games.
Pak Hae Yon (PRK)
Y Lien (VIE)
PERALTA Jhodie (PHI)
Boys’ 71 kg: Record Duel Between Kazakhstan and China
The Boys’ 71 kg session became another historic highlight, featuring an intense rivalry between ASKERBAY Alikhan (KAZ) and CHEN Xingxing (CHN).
The two lifters together set eight Youth World Records, rewriting history in both lifts.
ASKERBAY went six-for-six, taking double gold with 144 kg in Snatch and 172 kg in Clean & Jerk, giving Kazakhstan one of its most celebrated victories of the competition.
ASKERBAY Alikhan (KAZ)
CHEN Xingxing (CHN)
Boys’ 94 kg: Emotional Victory for Host Nation
The atmosphere reached its peak during the 94 kg final, where Bahrain’s Jhon Lopez thrilled the home crowd with an unforgettable performance.
He claimed gold in Snatch with 160 kg, 13 kg ahead of his nearest rival, setting new Games and Asian Youth Records.
In the Clean & Jerk, Lopez lifted 186 kg in his final attempt -edging out Yslam Akmyradov (TKM) by one kilogram.
The victory became a national celebration as His Highness Shaikh Khaled bin Hamad Al Khalifa 1st deputy chairman of supreme council for youth and sports , chairman of the general sports authority, president of Bahrain Olympic Commitee, witnessed the moment inside the hall.
Jhon Lopez (BAH)
Yslam Akmyradov (TKM)
A Celebration of Youth and Unity
The 2025 Bahrain Youth Games weightlifting competition was not only a showcase of athletic excellence but also of unity and friendship among Asian nations.
Young athletes inspired audiences with their determination, discipline, and sportsmanship – proving that the future of Asian weightlifting is brighter than ever.
As the AWF looks ahead to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, Bahrain’s successful organization and the incredible performances of its young athletes will be remembered as a defining chapter in the continent’s sporting history
