India’s young athletes have once again proven their mettle at the continental stage, delivering a stellar performance at the Asian Youth Games 2025, held in Manama, Bahrain. Under the inspirational leadership of Chef de Mission Padmashri Yogeshwar Dutt, the Indian contingent made the nation proud by securing a record 48 medals — 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 17 Bronze — marking India’s best-ever performance in the history of the Games.

The third edition of the Asian Youth Games, returning after a 12-year hiatus, saw Indian athletes raise the tricolour high with their unwavering determination and sporting excellence. A total of 222 athletes, including 119 women and 103 men, represented India across multiple disciplines — from athletics and boxing to wrestling, kabaddi, judo, and more.

The event began on a promising note when Khushi, aged just 15, clinched India’s first medal — a bronze in the girls’ 70kg kurash event. This was soon followed by Ranjana Yadav’s silver in the 5000m race walk. The Indian girls’ kabaddi team opened India’s gold tally, triumphing over Iran in a thrilling final. Another proud moment came when Priteesmita Bhoi lifted the first individual gold for India by setting a world youth record in the girls’ 44kg clean and jerk category.

The final day of competition was a celebration of Indian sporting spirit — as the country bagged 15 medals in a single day, including seven golds, with boxers and beach wrestlers leading the way.

The medal-winning athletes reflected the depth of India’s youth talent pool. Notable gold medalists included:

• Khushi Chand, Ahaana Sharma, Chandrika Pujari, and Anshika – Golds in boxing
• Anjali, Sani Fulmali, and Arjun Ruhil – Golds in beach wrestling
• Moni, Yashita, and Jaiveer Singh – Golds in freestyle wrestling
• Priteesmita Bhoi – Gold in weightlifting
• India Boys’ and Girls’ Kabaddi Teams – Gold in team events

India’s overall 6th-place finish, among 45 participating nations, was particularly significant as the Games also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.

Extending her heartfelt congratulations, Dr. Rashmi Saluja, Chairperson of GTTCI, commended the athletes for their inspiring performances:

“Our young champions have once again demonstrated the strength, resilience, and passion that define India. Each medal represents not only personal triumph but the collective pride of a billion hearts. I congratulate Padmashri Yogeshwar Dutt for his outstanding leadership and the entire contingent for keeping the Indian flag flying high in Bahrain.”

The remarkable showing of Team India at the Asian Youth Games 2025 underscores the nation’s growing prowess in youth sports and reaffirms its position as a rising force in Asian athletics. With the next stop being the Youth Olympics 2026, these young athletes have set the stage for even greater glory ahead.

Congratulations, Team India – You’ve made the nation proud!