Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has approved the hosting of the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Bahrain after Uzbekistan withdrew from its role as the host.

During an online meeting of the OCA Executive Committee on Monday, December 2, it was announced that the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan sent a letter to the OCA informing them that the country would not be able to host the 2025 Asian Youth Games as planned for September, due to the delayed completion of the Olympic Village in Tashkent.

OCA Secretary General, Mr. Hussein Al-Musallam, noted that the 2025 Asian Youth Games are linked to the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, in terms of age restrictions and qualification, making it impossible to postpone the event.

The Bahrain Olympic Committee confirmed its readiness to host the 2025 Asian Youth Games, citing its sports facilities, housing, and medical services as fully prepared for the event.

Mr. Faris Al-Kuheji, Secretary General of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, stated that the event would receive full support from the leadership, particularly from the President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa.

Additionally, the meeting reported that Bahrain successfully hosted the International Gymnasiade of the International School Sport Federation (ISF) in October 2024, which saw over 5,000 participants, including 4,000 athletes.

The OCA Executive Committee unanimously approved Bahrain as the new host for the 2025 Asian Youth Games and thanked the National Olympic Committee of Uzbekistan for its efforts, noting that Uzbekistan will be able to host major events in the future.