One of the strengths of the World Triathlon Development Programme is creating opportunities that allow young athletes to progress into international competition while supporting their long-term development. In Asia, that pathway was clearly demonstrated through two key projects in June.
The 2026 Xuzhou Asia Triathlon – World Triathlon Youth Development Camp brought together 30 young athletes from five National Federations – China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – for a week of learning, training and knowledge sharing. With a female participation rate of 43%, the camp continued World Triathlon's commitment to providing greater opportunities for female athletes within the region.
'Everyone laughed after they realised that there was only one winner in the race! Yet, it was great to see thoughtful faces.'
Lini Kazim (MAS), TRI Head Coach'World Triathlon and Asia Triathlon are creating a valuable platform for learning, collaboration and the exchange of ideas. This will truly help further develop triathlon in Asia.'
Aldrian Yeo (MAS), TRI Head Coach
The camp was also attended by the Secretary General, Mr Qin Jianqiu, and the National Team Manager of the Chinese Triathlon Federation, highlighting the importance of bringing together National Federations and World Triathlon Development to support the next generation of athletes.
Development camps are about much more than swim, bike and run. They expose athletes to new coaching philosophies, different training environments and the expectations of high-performance racing. Just as importantly, they create connections across National Federations and support young athletes at the very beginning of their performance pathway.
2026 Astana Team Asia
Six athletes were selected to represent Team Asia at the 2026 Asia Triathlon Cup Astana and the 2026 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Astana.
The team included Abdulrahman Tantish (PLE), Faezeh Nezhad (IRI), Sadra Ebrahimi (IRI), Mia Sahyoun (LBN), Kayla Shafa (INA), and Charlotte Thurston (UAE). Two podium results were achieved: Kayla Shafa claimed bronze in the Junior Women's race, while Sadra Ebrahimi secured bronze in the Junior Men's event, demonstrating the value of providing athletes with opportunities to race internationally.
'We would like to congratulate Asia Triathlon and everyone involved for the two bronze medals in Astana. This project is demonstrating real value.'
Diana Sabyrova, Kazakhstan Triathlon Federation, Foreign Relations Manager
'It feels wonderful to see this project coming alive. We look forward to continuing to support the development of our athletes and coaches.'
Firas Al-Hmood, Asia Triathlon Continental Coordinator
Team Asia will next compete at the 2026 Asia Triathlon Junior Cup Turkestan with a new cohort of athletes, providing further international development opportunities across the region.
The podium is rarely immediate, but programmes like those delivered in Xuzhou and Astana continue to demonstrate that when athletes are given opportunities and supported by their National Federations and World Triathlon Development, they are better prepared to progress towards elite competition.
Junior Ranking Launched in Asia
Asia Triathlon, with the support of World Triathlon, launched the Asia Triathlon Junior Ranking in June as part of its strategy to elevate athletes pathways from junior to elite and strengthen Asian athletes competitiveness by a growing network of Junior race events across the region.
Asia Triathlon Junior Ranking MEN | Asia Triathlon Junior Ranking WOMEN