Sheikh Joaan Celebrates Opening of 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain

Manama hosted the grand Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games on October 22, 2023. The event, which will run until October 31, welcomed over 5,000 young athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees. Among the distinguished attendees was the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC), HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani.

Opening Ceremony Highlights

The ceremony took place at the Exhibition World Bahrain and was officially opened by HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Representative of His Majesty the King of Bahrain for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs. The event was marked by a vibrant showcase of artistic performances that intertwined modern elements with Bahrain’s rich cultural heritage. A parade of participating nations and official speeches from the Organizing Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) emphasized the significance of the Games.

In addition to Sheikh Joaan, senior officials from various Asian National Olympic Committees attended the ceremony, including HE Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, Second Vice President of the QOC, and HE Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain, Secretary-General of the QOC. The ceremonial flag-raising added to the festive atmosphere, symbolizing unity and competition.

Record Participation and Competitive Spirit

The 3rd Asian Youth Games features a record 26 sports, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. Athletes are competing not only for medals but also for qualification spots for the upcoming Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The event aims to foster sportsmanship and provide youth with an opportunity to showcase their talents on a larger stage.

Qatar is represented by a delegation of 67 athletes competing in 16 different sports, including athletics, badminton, and boxing. Notably, female athletes are participating in athletics, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball, highlighting the nation’s commitment to inclusivity in sports.

Unfortunately, Qatar’s youth volleyball team faced a setback today, losing to Chinese Taipei in straight sets with scores of 17-25, 17-25, and 16-25. Despite this, the athletes are eager to begin competition in other sports starting tomorrow, including 3×3 basketball and triathlon.

Team Qatar aims to make a significant impact at the Games, striving for medals across multiple disciplines. This participation also serves as part of Qatar’s long-term strategy in preparation for the Doha 2030 Asian Games.