The mascot for the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain, named 'Shahab,' was unveiled, symbolizing vitality, strength, resilience, and ambition. Additional mascots, 'Najm' and 'Dana,' were also introduced to welcome delegations. The Games will take place from October 22 to 31, 2025, with over 6,000 participants from 45 NOCs competing in 24 sports. Preparations are underway across 23 venues and 30 training fields. The announcement was made at a press conference led by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, emphasizing Bahrain's commitment to promoting the Olympic movement in Asia. Tayyab Ikram expressed confidence in Bahrain's ability to successfully host the Games. Bahrain has hosted the Gymnasiade in 2024 and the Asian Youth Para Games in 2021, and will host the FIBA 3x3 World Tour final in November 2025. Agreements with three main hotels for hosting the event were also signed.

Doubts are growing about Saudi Arabia's ability to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games in Trojena, part of the NEOM project, due to construction delays and technical difficulties. Eversendai Corporation Berhad, a main contractor, acknowledged challenges. The OCA has inquired about South Korea's readiness to potentially replace Saudi Arabia as host. While the OCA claims preparations are on schedule, contingency plans are being discussed due to construction setbacks. China has voiced support for Saudi Arabia. A decision on relocation is possible next year.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has reportedly contacted the Korean Sport and Olympic Committee to explore the possibility of taking over the 2029 Asian Winter Games from Saudi Arabia due to construction delays and financial hurdles facing the NEOM project, including the Trojena winter resort. China, which hosted the 2025 Games, could be a contender, but the OCA says it's too early to decide and may only make a decision next year.

The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has approached the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) to gauge interest in hosting the 2029 Winter Asian Games, as Saudi Arabia faces difficulties in constructing the necessary facilities. Seung Min RYU reported the inquiry to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, which is now reviewing the feasibility of hosting the Games.

Bahrain is set to host the third Asian Youth Games (AYG) from October 22-31, 2025, featuring 5,400 athletes from 45 Asian NOCs competing in 24 sports across 31 disciplines and 253 events. Faris Mustafa Al Kooheji, secretary general of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) and executive board member of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), highlighted the event's significance for developing future Olympic athletes, potentially for Los Angeles 2028. The Games, relocated from Tashkent in December 2024, will utilize existing venues to ensure sustainability. Vinod Kumar Tiwari, OCA Deputy Director General, commended Bahrain for its rapid preparation and commitment to sustainability. The AYG will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The Chef de Mission Seminar included briefings on operational areas and site tours for representatives from 42 Asian NOCs.