Asian Youth Games 2025: India's Medal Tally & Facts for UPSC
Q. With reference to the Asian Youth Games 2025, consider the following statements:
1. The 3rd edition of the Games was hosted by Manama, Bahrain.
2. Kabaddi made its debut appearance at the Asian Youth Games in this edition.
3. In the Indian contingent, female athletes outnumbered male athletes for the first time in this event.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Context
The 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) were held in Manama, Bahrain, from October 22 to October 31, 2025, after a gap of more than a decade. India delivered its best-ever performance in the history of the Games, winning a total of 48 medals and finishing 6th in the overall standings.
What are the Asian Youth Games?
The Asian Youth Games are a multi-sport event created under the aegis of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). They target athletes aged 14 to 18 years and serve as a stepping stone for larger international competitions like the Youth Olympics and the Olympic Games.
Evolution of India's Performance:
| Edition | Host | Medals (G-S-B) | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Singapore | 11 (5-3-3) | 11th |
| 2013 | Nanjing, China | 14 (3-4-7) | 10th |
| 2025 | Manama, Bahrain | 48 (13-18-17) | 6th |
Highlights of AYG 2025
The 2025 edition featured over 4,000 athletes from all 45 Asian nations competing across 26 sports.
Key Disciplines for India:
- Boxing: Emerged as the most successful discipline in terms of gold medals, contributing 4 Gold, 2 Silver, and 1 Bronze.
- Beach Wrestling: India topped the medal tally with 3 Gold and 2 Silver.
- Wrestling: Added 3 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze.
- Kabaddi: Both the boys’ and girls’ teams remained unbeaten, clinching gold medals in the sport's debut appearance at the Games.
Gender Parity and Inclusivity
A defining feature of India's participation was the strong gender balance.
- Composition: The contingent of 229 athletes included 122 women and 107 men, marking a rare instance where female athletes outnumbered males in a major multi-sport event.
- Medal Contribution: Female athletes accounted for over half (54.17%) of India’s total medals and a significant 69.23% of the gold medals (9 out of 13).
Institutional Support and Recognition
- Cash Rewards: The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) announced rewards of ₹5 lakh for Gold, ₹3 lakh for Silver, and ₹2 lakh for Bronze medallists. Coaches and kabaddi teams also received significant recognition.
- Ecosystem: The growth is attributed to systematic transformation through programs like Khelo India, Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) Development, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Significance for India
The record-breaking run at Manama 2025 reflects a "systematic transformation" in India's youth sports infrastructure and a shift toward a more competitive mindset. It establishes a robust pipeline for future Olympic champions and highlights the effectiveness of grassroots sports development.
🎯 Analysis & Insights
Prelims mastery
Correct Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Reasoning: All statements are correct as per the source. The Games were in Manama, Kabaddi was a debut sport, and there were 122 female athletes vs 107 male athletes.
Mains perspective
"The performance of India's youth at international sporting events like the Asian Youth Games is a reflection of the nation's ‘soft power’ and social sectors development." Discuss the role of gender inclusivity in India's emerging sports ecosystem. (150 words)