Esports will join traditional Olympic disciplines in the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), which will be held in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has announced the dates and sports program for the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), set to take place in Bahrain from October 22-31, 2025. Among the 21 sports featured, esports has secured a prominent position, highlighting its growing influence and popularity among young people in Asia.
The inclusion of esports in the AYG is a significant milestone, reflecting the OCA's recognition of its mainstream appeal. The full list of sports includes traditional Olympic disciplines like athletics, swimming, and basketball, alongside other popular sports such as badminton, football (futsal), and cycling. The presence of esports alongside these established sports underscores its legitimacy as a competitive and engaging activity for youth. The sports included are the following: Athletics, Badminton, Basketball (3x3), Equestrian (Show Jumping + Endurance), Esports, Futsal, Golf, Handball, Judo, Jujitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, Cycling (Road), Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Triathlon, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Kabaddi, Volleyball, and Teqball.
Esports has witnessed explosive growth in Asia, becoming a cultural phenomenon embraced by millions of young people. Several factors contribute to this surge in popularity:
This popularity has translated into official recognition at major sporting events. Esports has been included as a medal sport in both the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and the Asian Games, demonstrating its growing acceptance within the broader sporting landscape.
Esports debuted as a medal event at the 2019 SEA Games in the Philippines and has been a recurring feature in subsequent editions. This inclusion has provided a platform for Southeast Asian esports athletes to showcase their talent on a regional stage.
Esports made its debut as a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang. It returned as a medal sport at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, further solidifying its place in the Asian sporting arena.
The inclusion of esports in the 3rd AYG builds upon this momentum, offering young esports athletes from across Asia a chance to compete at a prestigious multi-sport event. This provides not only a platform for competition but also the opportunity for cultural exchange and the development of esports within the region.
The OCA's announcement signals a significant step forward for esports in Asia. By including it in the AYG, the OCA is not only acknowledging its current popularity but also investing in its future. The 3rd AYG in Bahrain promises to be a showcase of young talent across a diverse range of sports, with esports taking a prominent position in this celebration of athleticism and skill. The detailed competition schedule and list of events under the 21 sports will be forwarded to the NOCs “shortly.”
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