Handball Team Maintains Strong Form at the Asian Youth Games
Manama, Bahrain – October 20, 2025:
The second day of competition at the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) saw Bahrain’s athletes making an early mark, even before the official opening ceremony on Wednesday. The Games continue daily until October 31, giving young Bahraini athletes the chance to build on these early performances.
Historic Silver in Pencak Silat
Bahrain’s first medal of the tournament came in Pencak Silat, a Southeast Asian martial art combining striking, grappling, and defensive techniques.
Abdulla Qassim earned a silver medal in the Boys’ 51–55kg class after losing 81–10 to Indonesia’s Winata Furgon Habbil at Exhibition World.
Reflecting on his achievement, Abdulla said:
“The feeling of representing your country and standing on the podium is indescribable. I wasn’t familiar with Pencak Silat before, but I’m proud I took it on. Coming out with a silver medal makes it even more special.”
This medal carries historic significance for Bahrain, which had previously only achieved bronze in athletics at Singapore 2009 and Nanjing 2013. Winning silver on home soil adds extra meaning and sets a positive tone for Bahrain’s campaign.
Boys’ Handball on Fire
Bahrain’s boys’ handball team continued their strong form at Umm Alhassam Hall A, following Sunday’s win over Hong Kong with a commanding 74–13 victory over the Maldives.
- Ahmed Karrar scored 24 goals from 26 attempts
- Yateem Abuthar added 14 goals with key contributions in fast breaks and penalties
- Goalkeepers Nabeel Ahmed and Ahmed Mohamed made crucial saves to maintain control
Handball remains a fan favorite, and the team looks like a strong contender for gold.
Teqball Athletes Show Promise
Bahrain’s Teqball competitors, a hybrid of football and table tennis, had solid performances:
- Sharif Ahmed won all three group-stage matches in boys’ singles but lost 2–0 in the quarterfinals to a Kuwaiti opponent.
- Rawan Abdulaziz mirrored this performance in girls’ singles, defeating three opponents before losing 2–0 in the quarterfinals.
- In mixed doubles, Sharif Ahmed and Albanna Fatima could not advance past the group stage.
Despite early exits, the athletes showed skill and potential for future success.
Challenges in Team Sports
Other Bahraini teams faced tougher competition:
- Beach Volleyball:
- Men lost 2–0 to Sri Lanka
- Women lost 2–0 to the Maldives
- Indoor Volleyball at Isa Sports City:
- Boys lost 3–0 to Pakistan (two sets were close at 26–24)
- Girls lost 3–0 to Iran
- Kabaddi:
Bahrain’s boys were defeated by Thailand 90–23, highlighting the intensity of this fast-paced sport.
Even in losses, teams displayed fighting spirit and potential for future matches.
Bahrain’s Schedule Today
Bahraini athletes will continue across multiple sports:
- Beach Volleyball (Sama Bay):
- Boys’ doubles Karrar Yaqoob & Hussain Warqaa vs Indonesia and Thailand
- Girls’ doubles Layan Majed & Maya Falah vs Jordan and Thailand
- Kabaddi (Isa Sports City):
- Boys’ team vs Iran (Group A)
- Teqball:
- Boys’ doubles Hussain Isa & Ali Hasan vs Philippines, Thailand, India, Iraq, Cambodia
- Girls’ doubles Rawan Abdulaziz & Fatima Albanna vs India
- Volleyball (Isa Sports City):
- Boys vs Mongolia
- Girls vs Qatar
Bahrain’s athletes aim to build momentum and continue their strong performances as the Games officially kick off.