The 6th Asian U18 Athletics Championships officially commenced tonight with a vibrant and culturally rich opening ceremony at Prince Nayef Sports City in Qatif, setting the stage for four days of high-energy youth competition.
With 31 nations represented and over 400 young athletes ready to compete, the ceremony was a celebration of diversity, passion, and the bright future of Asian athletics. Delegations paraded into the stadium to roaring applause, followed by a captivating program of traditional Saudi performances, music, and fireworks.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the Asian Athletics, local officials, and hundreds of fans who filled the stands with excitement and pride.
"This championship is not just about medals—it’s about the spirit of sport, cultural exchange, and the dreams of the next generation," said a representative from the Saudi Arabian Athletics Federation during the opening remarks.
Running from April 15–18, the championships feature a full program of track and field events—from sprints and hurdles to jumps, throws, and distance races. The competition is widely seen as a springboard for future stars, many of whom will go on to represent their nations at the Asian Games and Olympic level.
For Saudi Arabia, hosting the event marks a major step forward in the country’s growing presence on the international sports stage. Local athletes will compete with hopes of achieving personal bests and perhaps even reaching the podium.
This edition of the championship places strong emphasis on youth development and international friendship, with athletes staying in a purpose-built village designed to foster interaction and cultural exchange.
Day 1 Highlights:
The opening day of the championships witnessed remarkable performances across various events:
● Girls' 1500m: China's Zhang Yaxi won the gold medal with a time of 4:58.35, followed by Lebanon's Sama Moustafa with a very close result of 4:58.82. The top three was completed by Uzbekistan's Marjona Saydullaeva with a time of 4:59.85.
● Girls' Hammer Throw : Chen Jiajun of China dominated the field, securing gold with a throw of 67.71 meters.
● Boys' Hammer Throw : Saudi Arabia's own Mohammed Al-Zayer thrilled the home crowd by winning gold with a remarkable throw of 79.11 meters.
● Girls' Shot Put : Chen Xinyao from China took the top spot with a throw of 18.47 meters.
● Boys' Triple Jump: China's Dong Zhiyuan secured the gold medal with a leap of 15.53 meters.
As the championships progress, anticipation builds for more thrilling performances and the emergence of future athletic stars.
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