Camel racing has officially been added as a sport at the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain. The decision was warmly received by countries in the Middle East, where the tradition of racing camels is deeply rooted in cultural life.
Camel racing began centuries ago when camels were valued as desert transport.
Today, the sport uses modern methods, such as robot jockeys, to improve safety. With structured rules and international facilities in Bahrain, camel racing will make its youth multi-sport debut at the AYG.
“This way, they will have official membership within the national sports structure,” explained Jadi Rajagukguk, Executive Committee Member of the Indonesian Olympic Committee (NOC Indonesia).
His statement followed the June 2025 plan to expand membership by accepting five new sports, including camel racing and tug of war.
For Bahrain, the Games are not only about sport but also about cultural pride. The inclusion of camel racing is intended to showcase Middle Eastern heritage while offering young athletes from across Asia a new arena to test their skills.
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Indonesia Prepares Young Camel Racers for Global Stage
Indonesia is not traditionally a camel country, yet the nation now has a team of young camel racers ready for international competition.
As reported by GNFI, The Indonesian Camel Sports Association (POUI) confirmed four names who will represent the country at the 2025 Asian Youth Games. They are M. Alfatih Abdillah, Liesyah Rama Lingga, Rani Aprilia, and Sherly Amelia.
Despite the lack of camels in Indonesia, these athletes have trained intensively abroad. A recent video release from the Indonesian Camel Sports Association (POUI) showed the four stretching together and riding camels in the desert as part of their preparation.
This international collaboration is a testament to the unity and shared passion that sports can foster.
The Games will run from 25 to 28 October 2025. While Indonesia has sent representatives to countless sports, camel racing is a new chapter. For the athletes, it is a chance to try something different while carrying the flag into an unusual but increasingly recognised sport.
The NOC Indonesia has been working to give new sports formal status so that they
can take part in multi-sport events. Camel racing, tug of war, ping pong, boxing, and flying saucer frisbee are all set to join the official list.
