Maseru, Lesotho – From October 1st to 4th, 2025, the Lesotho National Olympic Committee (LNOC) successfully hosted the third edition of the Maseru National Youth Games, bringing together young athletes from across the nationand beyond for a celebration of sport, talent, and unity. Taking place across venues in Maseru and Mafeteng, the Games showcased the LNOC’s continued commitment to nurturing young talent and elevating the standard of sport in Lesotho.
This year’s Games were the largest to date, featuring 15 sporting disciplines for athletes aged 14 to 19 years old. The sporting codes included: athletics, swimming, boxing, chess, cricket, cycling, mountain biking, rowing, women’s rugby, table tennis, taekwondo, tennis, beach volleyball, baseball5, badminton, and judo. This marks a significant expansion from the inaugural edition, which began with just nine codes, growing to twelve in the second edition, and now reaching its current peak.
LNOC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Marake Raleaka, emphasized the Games’ role in preparing young athletes for international competitions. “These Games bring youth together to prepare themselves for competitions outside the country, where they will be staying in one place and interacting with athletes from different nations,” he stated. To replicate the experience of global tournaments, all participating athletes were housed together at the Police Training College (PTC) throughout the duration of the Games.
Aligning with the LNOC’s Strategic Plan, the 3rd Maseru National Youth Games continue to grow in both stature and scale, further establishing themselves as a cornerstone of Lesotho’s youth sports development. The Games serve not only as a national celebration of youth sport but also as a key talent identification platform for national federations. Promising athletes identified during the event may be recommended for development at national or even international sporting bodies.
The event’s growing reputation also drew regional interest, with representatives from Eswatini attending for the second consecutive time. Their presence underscores Lesotho’s rising profile in the organization of youth competitions, offering a model that neighbouring countries are eager to learn from.
To ensure high standards and a competitive environment, the LNOC allocated an estimated budget of M700,000 towards this year’s Games. This investment facilitated the delivery of top-notch sports equipment, further enhancing the quality and experience of the competition.
As the LNOC continues to invest in youth development, the Maseru National Youth Games stand as a powerful symbol of progress in Lesotho’s sporting landscape, fostering future athletes and champions while promoting unity, discipline, and international readiness among the country’s young athletes.
