Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) President HE Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani attended the Opening Ceremony of the 3rd Asian Youth Games on Wednesday. The continental multi-sport event, currently underway in Bahrain, will run until October 31. 

HH Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of HM the King of Bahrain for Humanitarian Work and Youth Affairs, and Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports, officially declared the Games open during a grand ceremony at the Exhibition World Bahrain.

In attendance were presidents of Asian National Olympic Committees and senior sports officials from across the continent.

QOC’s Second Vice President Dr. Thani bin Abdulrahman Al Kuwari, and Secretary-General Jassim bin Rashid Al Buenain also attended the proceedings.

The Opening Ceremony was a spectacular event, which included various segments and artistic performances blending modernity with Bahrain’s rich heritage. It also featured the parade of participating nations and the raising of the Games’ flag.  

The 3rd Asian Youth Games will feature more than 5,000 athletes from 45 Asian National Olympic Committees, competing in 26 sports events. The Games, which will also serve as qualifiers for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympic Games, is the largest in history.

Qatar is represented by 67 athletes competing in 16 sports — athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, equestrian (show jumping), golf, judo, jiu-jitsu, cycling, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wrestling, volleyball, beach volleyball, and boxing. Qatar is also fielding female competitors in athletics, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball.

Meanwhile, Qatar’s youth volleyball team opened their campaign with a 0-3 loss (17–25, 17–25, 16–25) to Chinese Taipei. 

Qatar’s athletes will compete in 3x3 basketball, athletics, golf, boxing, equestrian, and triathlon today. 

Team Qatar aims to make a strong impression at the Games and compete for medals across several sports. This participation is also part of the nation’s long-term preparation for the 2030 Doha Asian Games. 

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