Manama (Bahrain): India’s young athletes have made the nation proud with a historic, record-breaking performance at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, held in Manama, Bahrain, clinching a total of 48 medals — 13 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze.
This marks India’s best-ever medal tally at the continental event, surpassing all previous records and solidifying the country’s growing stature in Asian youth sports. The performance also secured multiple qualification spots for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
India’s Record-Breaking Medal Haul
With a 222-member contingent — including 119 women and 103 men — India delivered consistent and dominant performances across multiple disciplines such as kabaddi, boxing, beach wrestling, athletics, and weightlifting.
The team’s collective energy, backed by months of preparation under national sports federations, showcased India’s promising future on the international sporting stage.
Key Highlights and Star Performances
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Khushi (15) opened India’s medal account by winning bronze in girls’ kurash (70kg) — a historic start for Team India.
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Ranjana Yadav claimed India’s first athletics medal, earning silver in the 5000m race walk.
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The girls’ kabaddi team created history by clinching India’s first gold, defeating Iran in a thrilling final.
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Priteesmita Bhoi stunned the world with a youth world record in the 44kg clean and jerk, capturing India’s first individual gold of the Games.
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On the final day, Indian athletes brought home 15 medals, including seven golds — four in boxing and three in beach wrestling — capping off a phenomenal campaign.
India’s Medal Tally at the 2025 Asian Youth Games
| Category | Medals |
|---|---|
| 🥇 Gold | 13 |
| 🥈 Silver | 18 |
| 🥉 Bronze | 17 |
| Total | 48 |
India’s Journey Through the Years
India’s rise in youth sports has been steady and inspiring.
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2009 (Singapore): 11 medals (5 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze)
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2013 (Nanjing): 14 medals (3 Gold, 4 Silver, 7 Bronze) — competed under the Olympic flag due to NOC suspension
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2025 (Manama): 48 medals (13 Gold, 18 Silver, 17 Bronze) — India’s best-ever performance
The jump from 14 medals in 2013 to 48 in 2025 reflects a threefold increase in medal count, symbolizing the success of India’s grassroots sports development and youth training programmes.
Path to Youth Olympics 2026
The 2025 Asian Youth Games also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, where Indian athletes are now expected to feature prominently across several categories.
With 45 countries participating and 1,677 medals at stake, India’s medal-rich finish significantly improves its Olympic qualification prospects in key sports like boxing, weightlifting, and wrestling.
A Proud Moment for Indian Sports
Speaking after the event, officials from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) lauded the young athletes for their determination and discipline. They credited this success to the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and other youth development initiatives that nurture early sporting talent.
Experts say this performance could serve as a turning point in India’s youth sports ecosystem, inspiring thousands of budding athletes to dream big.
Quick Facts: 2025 Asian Youth Games
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Event: 2025 Asian Youth Games
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Host: Manama, Bahrain
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Dates: October 2025
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Indian Contingent: 222 athletes (119 women, 103 men)
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Total Medals: 48 (13 Gold, 18 Silver, 17 Bronze)
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Top Sports: Boxing, Beach Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kabaddi
With the tricolor flying high in Bahrain, India’s youth brigade has not only rewritten history but also reignited hope for the nation’s Olympic future — proving once again that the next generation of Indian athletes is ready to take on the world.
