Dammam, Saudi Arabia – April 19, 2025 – The sun set on a thrilling chapter of youth athletics today as the fourth and final day of the Asian U18 Athletics Championships wrapped up in electrifying fashion in Dammam. With medals on the line and dreams in motion, the packed Prince Nayef Sports City stadium witnessed a day brimming with talent, grit, and promise.
The day kicked off with High Jump Boys’ final, where the bar kept rising—literally and metaphorically. A nail-biting battle between the region's best saw a dramatic clearance at 2.05m that secured gold and roars from the crowd.
On the runway, the Girls’ Triple Jump delivered pure spectacle. A young jumper from China stunned everyone with a championship-record leap, showcasing elegance and raw power.
The sprint events were a display of sheer velocity. In the Girls’ 200m, a rising star Mariam Kareem from UAE clocked a blistering time, holding off a strong challenge from Japan and India. Moments later, the Boys’ 200m final delivered fireworks, with a photo-finish thriller won by Koo Cheuk Fung Jasper sprinter from Hong-Kong by just 0.06 seconds.
Over at the field, the Boys’ Javelin Throw was a masterclass in technique and strength. A standout throw from a Indian athlete Himanshu sailed 67.57 meters
In the middle distance, both 800m finals were fiercely contested. The girls’ race was a tactical duel, decided in the final 50 meters by a powerful Mahadura Gedara Tharushi Abhisheka Pemasiri born runner representing Sri-Lanka. The boys’ edition was equally dramatic, with an unexpected surge in the final bend earning a Chinese runner Zeng Xiang the top podium with time 1:53.31
The Boys’ 3000m final pushed endurance to its limits. A tactical masterpiece saw the gold clinched with a devastating last-lap kick, earning admiration from even seasoned coaches.
Meanwhile, the Decathlon Final was a celebration of all-round brilliance. After two days and ten grueling events, a versatile Uzbekistani athlete emerged victorious, his consistency and mental toughness earning thunderous applause.
Team strategy and unity took center stage in the closing Medley Relays. The Girls’ Medley Relay saw China’s quartet blaze the track with seamless handoffs and a lightning anchor leg. The Boys’ Medley Relay followed, with India storming to silver behind a dominant Chinese team—sending the local crowd into raptures.
As the final relay baton was passed, attention turned to a heartwarming closing ceremony that celebrated not just winners, but the spirit of youth athletics. Flags waved, athletes embraced, and cultural performances lit up the night. The Saudi organizing committee was lauded for their hospitality and impeccable planning, marking this edition of the championships as one of the most well-run in recent memory.
Amid the excitement, the International Technical Officials (ITOs) played a crucial yet often unseen role. Their expertise ensured fair play, accurate timing, and smooth operations across all events. With precision and professionalism, they upheld the integrity of the competition—proving once again that behind every great championship are the officials who make it possible.
Over the past four days, Dammam played host to more than just a competition—it hosted a festival of youthful energy, international camaraderie, and the emergence of future stars. From record-breaking jumps to unexpected upsets, the Asian U18 Athletics Championships showcased the incredible depth and diversity of talent across the continent.
For many, this was a stepping stone to global stardom. For others, it was their first taste of international competition. But for all, it was an unforgettable journey.
As the lights dim on the stadium tonight, one thing is certain: the future of Asian athletics is bright—and it's only just getting started.
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