Landmark event serves as official qualifier for the 3rd Asian Youth Games that will be held in Bahrain in October, spotlighting the future of Asian MMA
Bahrain, August 31, 2025 – The Asian Mixed Martial Arts Association (AMMA) successfully staged its inaugural Youth Championship from August 29–30, 2025 at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Bahrain, marking a significant milestone in the growth of the sport across Asia.
This landmark event was held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa and highlights the Kingdom of Bahrain’s growing role as a host of major combat sports competitions.
The championship, which drew participation from athletes representing more than a dozen countries and regions across Asia, served as the official qualifying event for the 3rd Asian Youth Games that will be held in Bahrain from 23 – 25 October. Young competitors between the ages of 16 and 17 showcased their skills on AMMA’s pioneering open field of play, a format designed to emphasize safety, fairness, and accessibility for all participants.
The summer heat did little to dampen the spirits of more than 100 athletes from 19 countries/regions who had flown in from as far as Indonesia and the surrounding regions, eager to earn their places in the upcoming Asian Youth Games. The athletes competed across 2 full days in 19 different categories in back to back matches featuring non-stop action and an exciting array of martial skills.
“This Youth Championship is not only about competition, but about creating pathways for the next generation of martial artists,” said Mr Galastien Tan, Director General of the AMMA. “By integrating directly with the Asian Youth Games, we are ensuring that MMA has a sustainable and recognized future within the Asian sporting landscape.”
Teams from Central Asia swept the top positions with Tajikistan and Kazakhstan taking 1st and 2nd place respectively in the medal tally.
With the successful conclusion of the inaugural Youth Championship, AMMA cements its commitment to developing talent pipelines, providing young athletes with international exposure, and aligning with the broader objectives of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).