The 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG), held in Bahrain from 22–31 October 2025, marked the return of the continental multisport event after more than a decade.
The previous edition took place in 2013, and the lengthy gap between competitions was the result of a turbulent series of postponements, cancellations, and hosting withdrawals. Initially scheduled for 2017 in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, the Games shifted through multiple countries including Indonesia and China before the COVID-19 pandemic forced another cancellation.
A fresh attempt to host the Games in Tashkent in September 2025 fell through when Uzbekistan withdrew in late 2024 due to construction delays. Ultimately, Bahrain stepped in, stabilising the event and delivering the long-awaited third edition.
Handball was among the most closely watched sports at these Games, with the women’s competition running from 20–30 October at the Bahrain Handball Federation Hall in Manama. Seven nations participated in the women’s event China, India, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Thailand, and Iran competing in a single round-robin format.
Eleven nations featured on the men’s side, though the field had initially been expected to be larger. India’s absence in the men’s draw became one of the tournament’s most controversial developments. Despite being placed in Group B alongside Kuwait and China during the official draw on 8 September, India had to withdraw due to non-clearance from the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), reportedly because of the policy restricting participation to teams ranked in Asia’s top eight. The Asian Handball Federation had already confirmed India’s eligibility, making the withdrawal a significant missed opportunity.
India entered the women’s youth competition seeking consistency and competitive exposure, but the campaign proved challenging. The team finished fifth out of seven teams, ahead of Thailand and Hong Kong. Across the six matches, India showed flashes of promise but also exposed clear gaps in defensive organization and second-half game management.
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India opened their tournament against Uzbekistan, falling to a 26–39 defeat. The scoreline reflected Uzbekistan’s superiority throughout the match, particularly in transition play. In their second outing, India again struggled to contain Kazakhstan, losing by an identical 26–39 score. While India started well, their defensive structure collapsed in the second half, conceding 20 goals one of their most lopsided halves of the competition.
The third match, against Thailand, provided both relief and frustration. India produced their most balanced first half of the tournament, storming to a seven-goal lead, only to squander it in the second half as Thailand rallied to secure a 26–26 draw. The inability to close out the match highlighted concerns around composure, tactical clarity, and in-game decision-making under pressure.
India’s lone victory came against Hong Kong a commanding 33–17 win showcasing cohesive attack, disciplined defence, and confident finishing. This performance briefly reflected the potential within the squad.
However, the final two matches against eventual champions Iran and runners-up China underlined the gap between India and Asia’s top-tier youth teams. Iran overwhelmed India 43–26, displaying speed, precision, and physicality. China inflicted another heavy loss, winning 39–22 in a match where India struggled to keep pace with China’s dynamic flank play and defensive intensity.
Despite finishing in the lower half of the table, India avoided the bottom two and gained valuable experience. But the results reaffirmed the urgent need for structural reforms in Indian handball especially regarding competitive exposure and systematic development.
Final Results (India):
- Uzbekistan 39–26 India
- India 26–39 Kazakhstan
- Thailand 26–26 India
- India 33–17 Hong Kong
- India 26–43 Iran
- China 39–22 India
Iran’s Commanding Triumph
Iran were the standout performers of the women’s event, winning all six matches and finishing as undisputed champions. Their ability to outplay every opponent especially China was rooted in disciplined defence and a well-synchronised attack. In the most defining match of the tournament, Iran handed China their only defeat, overturning a one-goal half-time deficit to win 30–25. Their consistency across all fixtures set a benchmark that many Asian nations, including India, must aspire to reach.
Final Standings (Women’s Handball):
- Iran
- China
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- India
- Thailand
- Hong Kong
Key Takeaways for Indian Handball
The Asian Youth Games provided India with a clear assessment of where its youth handball programme currently stands. On the women’s side, the team’s inconsistent performances illustrated gaps in defensive coordination, endurance, and match temperament.
Regular domestic competition remains the biggest missing component. A structured league, such as the proposed Women’s Handball League (WHL), could provide young players with regular, high-stress match environments something India urgently needs to avoid second-half collapses like those seen against Kazakhstan and Thailand.
Equally concerning was the men’s withdrawal, a decision that denied a full squad of young athletes invaluable international experience. The “Top 8” participation policy while intended to improve medal prospects—has damaging consequences when applied to youth development. International exposure is fundamental for growth, and once a continental federation grants eligibility, teams should not be blocked by administrative hurdles.
For Indian handball to progress meaningfully, two priorities stand out:
- Strengthening domestic pathways through a competitive league structure that guarantees game time, improves tactical discipline, and increases physical conditioning.
- Policy reforms ensuring youth teams are not denied international opportunities due to restrictive participation rules that contradict developmental objectives.
The 2025 Asian Youth Games should serve as a wake-up call. With consistent exposure, clearer pathways, and better governance, Indian handball can close the gap with Asia’s leading nations but only if these issues are addressed with urgency and long-term commitment.
