Tajikistan Breaks Records at Third Asian Youth Games with 19 Medals in Bahrain

Tajikistan is making history at the third Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, claiming a record 19 medals, including 2 gold, 2 silver, and 15 bronze.

The nation’s athletes continued their medal spree on October 29, with standout performances in freestyle wrestling, judo, and the debut of amateur MMA at the Games, The Caspian Post reports via Tajik media.

Wrestling and Judo Shine

Alirizo Bahromov secured bronze in freestyle wrestling (80 kg), while judokas Yusuf Zamonov (50 kg), Zuhal Jumayeva (52 kg), and Yusuf Iskandarzoda (66 kg) added one silver and two bronze medals to Tajikistan’s tally.

Golden Moments in MMA Debut

Amateur MMA, making its Games debut, delivered unforgettable triumphs. Fazliddin Khalilov (55 kg) and Umardzhon Umed (70 kg) claimed gold, while seven other Tajik fighters took bronze, making MMA the nation’s standout discipline.

Podium Finishes Across Sports

Tajik athletes also earned medals in taekwondo, kurash, and boxing. Highlights include Jonibek Nigmatov’s silver in taekwondo (+73 kg) and Abubakr Turaev’s bronze in kurash (65 kg), alongside three boxing bronze medals.

65 Athletes, 12 Sports, One Mission

Tajikistan sent 65 athletes to compete across 12 sports, including boxing, judo, athletics, swimming, taekwondo, MMA, kurash, muay thai, jiu-jitsu, badminton, and esports.

Bahrain Steps In as Surprise Host

Originally scheduled for Tashkent, the Games were moved to Bahrain in late 2024, featuring around 4,000 athletes from 45 countries competing in 26 sports, from traditional Olympic events to emerging disciplines like MMA and esports.

Tajikistan’s Journey

Since debuting at the first Asian Youth Games in 2009 with just two athletes, Tajikistan has steadily improved, now showcasing a promising new generation of sports talent ahead of the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.