POC confirms Philippine bid to host future Asian Youth Games

The Philippines is setting its sights on becoming Southeast Asia’s premier destination for international sporting events, with a major bid underway to host the Asian Youth Games (AYG) — one of the continent’s biggest youth competitions.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed in a recent media briefing that the country is preparing to pursue hosting rights for the AYG, which will now be held biennially. The next edition after 2029 is scheduled for 2031.

The decision to make the AYG a biennial event was formalized during the 101st Executive Board meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) at the Art Hotel and Resort in Manama, ahead of the opening ceremony of the ongoing 2025 Games.

PH eyed as Asian Youth Games host, says Tolentino https://t.co/EQ9KAEi0oD

— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) October 22, 2025

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

Tolentino, who also serves as an OCA Executive Board member, expressed optimism that the Philippines could secure hosting rights — provided it receives strong backing from the national government. He emphasized that bringing the AYG to Philippine soil would create valuable opportunities for the country’s young athletes and strengthen grassroots sports development.

“If the government supports us, our athletes from the Palaro, Batang Pinoy, and grassroots programs will have a clearer pathway,” Tolentino said. “I’ve already given a heads-up — we’re being considered for both the Asian Beach Games and the Asian Youth Games. It’s up to the government.”

Currently, the 2025 Asian Youth Games are taking place in Bahrain, drawing over 4,300 athletes competing in 253 events across 24 sports. The Philippines fielded a 141-member delegation, targeting medals in volleyball, athletics, boxing, cycling, and swimming, among other disciplines.

So far, 17-year-old Kram Airam Carpio has emerged as the standout Filipina athlete of the Games, capturing the country’s first gold medal in pencak silat. Carpio delivered a commanding performance in the championship bout, defeating Indonesia’s Qiken Dwi Tata Olifia — a homegrown talent from the sport’s birthplace — with a dominant 33–19 victory. The win not only showcased Carpio’s skill but also cemented her status as one of Asia’s brightest young martial artists.

👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and join the community of passionate sports fans.