Qatar Finishes Strong at 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain

The Qatari delegation wrapped up its participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted in Bahrain, with competitions concluding on Friday. This significant sporting event featured over 5,000 athletes representing 45 National Olympic Committees across Asia, serving as a qualifier for the upcoming Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal in 2026.

Final Competitions and Medals

Qatar’s final event saw swimmer Hamza Shaalan compete in the swimming competitions. He qualified for the 50-meter breaststroke final after finishing second in his heat but ultimately placed eighth in the final with a time of 30.12 seconds.

The country’s performance across the Games resulted in a total of four medals: one gold, two silver, and one bronze. The standout moment came from runner Idris Abubaker, who secured the gold in the 110-meter hurdles, showcasing his remarkable speed and agility.

Silver medals were claimed by runner Dana Salem in the 100-meter sprint, where she displayed exceptional skill against fierce competition, and by the equestrian team in the team show jumping event, reflecting the progress of Qatari equestrianism.

The Qatari 3×3 basketball team also made headlines, earning a bronze medal. They demonstrated impressive form throughout the tournament, achieving seven wins against only one loss, which occurred in the semi-finals against the Bahraini team.

Broad Participation and Future Aspirations

Qatar’s contingent included 67 athletes competing across 16 sports, including athletics, badminton, 3×3 basketball, equestrian, golf, judo, jiu-jitsu, cycling, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, wrestling, volleyball, beach volleyball, and boxing. Notably, female athletes participated in four sports: athletics, badminton, volleyball, and beach volleyball.

This participation not only highlighted Qatar’s commitment to sports but also provided an opportunity for young athletes to gain valuable experience in continental and international competitions. This exposure is particularly vital as they prepare for upcoming events, especially the 21st Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Doha in 2030.

The success at the Asian Youth Games serves as a stepping stone for Qatar’s emerging athletes, encouraging their development in a competitive sporting landscape.