Bahrain, 23 October 2025 — His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck, Vice President of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), chaired the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) Meeting held at the ART Hotel in Bahrain on the sidelines of the 3rd Asian Youth Games. The meeting brought together senior representatives from South Asian National Olympic Committees (NOCs) to deliberate on the future of the South Asian Games and to strengthen regional sporting cooperation.

HRH Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck emphasized the urgent need to revitalize the South Asian Games. HRH proposed the adoption of a “Cluster Games” model, enabling multiple nations to co-host selected disciplines. This innovative approach aims to ensure the continuity of the Games, reduce financial strain on single hosts, and foster greater unity and collaboration among South Asian nations.

Chaired by HRH, the Council unanimously endorsed the transition to the Cluster Games framework and agreed on key action points, including initiating constitutional amendments and developing a regional sports calendar. The meeting concluded with delegates expressing appreciation for HRH’s visionary leadership and reaffirming their collective commitment to advancing friendship, solidarity, and sporting excellence through the South Asian Games.