Aqaba, Oct. 5 (Petra) – Aqaba will host the Asian Under-23 and Junior Triathlon Championships at Ayla Oasis later this month, marking the only continental event for these categories on the 2025 Asian and International calendar.

Unlike previous editions staged across multiple countries under the "Asian Cup" format, this year’s championship is consolidated in a single location, underscoring its organizational and tourism significance for the Kingdom.

Held at Ayla Oasis, the championship benefits from the city’s advanced sports facilities and infrastructure, positioning it as a global model for major events.

Ayla's Director of Public and Government Relations, Mansour Kabariti, said the championship reflects Aqaba’s rising status on the global sports map, combining sports and tourism. He added that Ayla is the trusted destination of the International Triathlon Union for hosting international events, enhancing Aqaba’s standing as a regional sports and tourism hub.

President of the Jordan Triathlon Association, Tariq Khayat, said the championship underscores Jordan’s readiness to organize world-class sporting events and reflects the progress achieved in the sport.

The competition will feature 105 male and female athletes from 15 Asian and Arab countries, including Japan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, South Korea, the Philippines, Macau, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, India, Iran, Qatar, Palestine, Oman, Syria, and Lebanon.

The junior category includes 35 males and 17 females, while the under-23 category includes 34 males and 19 females, reflecting growing regional interest in triathlon.

The event is part of the joint annual calendar between Ayla Oasis Development Company and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, within efforts to position Aqaba as a global sports and tourism destination.

//Petra// NQ