Golden start for the Philippines as Bahrain revives the Asian Youth Games after 11 years

After eleven long years, the Asian Youth Games rise once more — this time under the golden glow of the Persian Gulf — rekindling the spirit of young athletic excellence and continental unity that has long been on pause.

The Kingdom of Bahrain, a modern island nation known for its deep Arab roots and technological progress, opens its doors to over 8,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries in the third edition of the quadrennial meet, featuring 253 events across 24 sports.

At the heart of it all is a message of renewal — for the athletes, the nations, and the movement itself.

Set inside the grand Exhibition World Bahrain, the opening ceremony on Wednesday night promises a visual feast of Arab culture and innovation, a nod to both tradition and progress.

Presiding over the spectacle is King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, whose presence underscores Bahrain’s commitment to the development of youth and sport in the region.

It marks a symbolic rebirth for the event, last staged in Nanjing, China, in 2013, where Asia’s future stars, last converged before a decade-long hiatus. 

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FIRST PH GOLD IN 3RD ASIAN YOUTH GAMES

Kram Airam Carpio delivered the Philippines’ first gold medal at the 3rd Asian Youth Games on Monday, Oct. 20, in Bahrain.

Carpio capped off her unbeaten run with a dominant 33-19 win over Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia in the finals… pic.twitter.com/QYSCRv0AT1

— NewsWatch Plus PH (@newswatchplusph) October 21, 2025

For the Philippine contingent, this comeback carries special meaning. Led by boxer Leo Mhar Lobrido and volleyball rising star Harlyn Serneche, the 200-strong Filipino delegation will proudly march during the Parade of Nations — a new generation stepping into the continental spotlight.

And even before the flame is lit, the Philippines already has reason to celebrate. Kram Airam Carpio, a young pencak silat athlete, delivered the country’s first gold medal in the girls’ 51–55 kg category — a triumph that set the tone for Team Philippines’ campaign.

Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino could not hide his optimism following Carpio’s golden breakthrough.

“Sobrang taas ng morale natin nito. Definitely this will be different from the previous one in Nanjing in 2013 when we had two golds,” Tolentino said.

“With this opening salvo, malamang malalampasan natin yan.”

Tolentino joined athletes and officials at the flag-raising ceremony on the eve of the opening rites — a symbolic moment marking the country’s formal return to the AYG family.

As the flame of the Asian Youth Games burns once again, Bahrain becomes the stage for thousands of young athletes ready to define the next era of Asian sports.

For the Philippines, the message is clear: the future has arrived — and it’s ready to shine brighter than ever.

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