India Shines at 2025 Asian Youth Games with Record 48 Medals

India marked a historic milestone in its youth sports journey by delivering its best-ever performance at the 2025 Asian Youth Games in Manama, Bahrain, with a total of 48 medals — comprising 13 gold, 18 silver, and 17 bronze. This impressive medal tally not only broke all previous records for India at this continental event but also secured qualification slots for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal. With 222 athletes (119 women and 103 men), India’s youthful contingent emerged as a force to reckon with across disciplines including kabaddi, boxing, beach wrestling, athletics, weightlifting, and more.

Key Moments and Record-Breakers

• Khushi, aged 15, won India’s first medal in the Games — a bronze in girls’ kurash (70kg)
• Ranjana Yadav claimed the first athletics medal with a silver in 5000m race walk
• The girls’ kabaddi team bagged India’s first gold, defeating Iran
• Priteesmita Bhoi set a world youth record in the 44kg clean and jerk, securing India’s first individual gold

On the final day alone, Indian athletes secured 15 medals, including seven golds, with four in boxing and three in beach wrestling — showcasing a powerful finish to the campaign.

Historical Context: India’s Previous Performances

• 2009 Asian Youth Games (Singapore): 11 medals (5 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze)
• 2013 Asian Youth Games (Nanjing): 14 medals (3 gold, 4 silver, 7 bronze)

(Note: India competed under the Olympic flag in 2013 due to NOC suspension)

With 48 medals in 2025, India not only surpassed previous editions but also proved its rising dominance in Asian youth sports.

Medal Tally Summary

• Total Medals: 48
• Gold: 13
• Silver: 18
• Bronze: 17

Path to Youth Olympics 2026

• The 2025 edition also served as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal.
• With athletes from 45 countries competing for a total of 1,677 medals, India’s strong showing significantly improves its chances of qualification in several disciplines.

Static Facts

• Event: 2025 Asian Youth Games
• Host: Manama, Bahrain
• Dates: October 2025 (exact range unspecified)
• Indian Contingent: 222 athletes (119 women, 103 men)
• Total Medals Won by India: 48
• Gold: 13
• Silver: 18
• Bronze: 17
• Best Events: Boxing, Beach Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kabaddi