Asian Youth Games 2025: India Records Best-Ever Medal Tally with 48 Medals
Syllabus: Governance (UPSC Prelims)
Source: DD News
Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India’s young athletes for their record-breaking performance at the Asian Youth Games 2025, where India won 48 medals — its best-ever tally in the event’s history.
About Asian Youth Games 2025
What is it?
The Asian Youth Games (AYG) is a continental multi-sport event organised by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) for athletes aged 14 to 17 years. It aims to nurture young sporting talent and prepare them for future international competitions like the Asian Games and the Olympics.
History:
- 1st Edition (2009): Singapore
- 2nd Edition (2013): Nanjing, China
- The 2017 and 2021 editions were cancelled due to logistical and pandemic-related issues.
- 3rd Edition (2025): Manama, Bahrain — held from 22–31 October 2025 after a 12-year gap.
India’s Performance at AYG 2025
- India achieved a historic 48 medals (13 Gold, 18 Silver, 17 Bronze).
- This marks the country’s best-ever performance at the Asian Youth Games.
- The success highlights the impact of programs like Khelo India and improved youth sports infrastructure across the country.
Next Edition:
The 4th Asian Youth Games will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in 2029 (postponed from 2025).
Significance
- Positions India as a leading youth sports powerhouse in Asia.
- Strengthens the nation’s Olympic talent pipeline.
- Promotes grassroots sports development and encourages youth participation.
- Reflects the growing success of sports reforms and training initiatives in India.
