Manama, Bahrain — India delivered a historic and powerful performance at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, securing its best-ever medal tally and cementing its place as a rising power in junior sports. The young Indian contingent concluded the competition with a record haul of 48 medals, surpassing all previous tallies from 2009 and 2013.
The final count includes 13 Gold, 18 Silver, and 17 Bronze medals, showcasing India’s strength across various disciplines, particularly in combat and strength sports.
Highlights and Record-Breaking Achievements
The successful campaign was marked by several standout performances:
- World Youth Record in Weightlifting: The first individual gold for India was clinched by Priteesmita Bhoi, who set a new World Youth Record in the girls’ 44kg clean and jerk category, demonstrating exceptional strength and technique.
- First-Ever Kabaddi Gold: The girls’ kabaddi team made history by winning India’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian Youth Games after defeating Iran in the final.
- Strong Finish: Indian athletes dominated the final day, contributing 15 medals, including seven golds, primarily from boxing and beach wrestling events.
- Pathway to Olympics: Beyond the medals, the achievement is significant as it provides a major boost for India’s youth development programs and serves as a qualification pathway for the upcoming 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, marking a crucial step for the next generation of Indian Olympians.
The comprehensive medal haul across multiple sports signals a positive trajectory for Indian sports and promises a talented pipeline of athletes for senior international competitions.
