UAE Swimmer Hussain Shawqi Wins Gold at Asian Youth Games

UAE national team swimmer Hussain Shawqi achieved a historic victory at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, capturing the gold medal in the 50m butterfly. His winning time of 24.73 seconds set a new record for the event, marking the fastest performance in the competition’s history. This win reflects his outstanding dedication, preparation, and consistency in international swimming competitions.

Hussain Shawqi’s 50m butterfly performance stood out as a defining moment for UAE swimming. He finished 0.24 seconds ahead of Hong Kong’s Lau Kin James, who clocked 24.97 seconds to claim silver. Wu Chao-Si from Chinese Taipei took the bronze medal with a time of 25.05 seconds. Shawqi’s record-breaking finish not only brought pride to the UAE but also raised the competitive standard for the event in the Asian Youth Games.

In a remarkable display of endurance and determination, Hussain Shawqi competed in three finals within 24 hours, maintaining top form throughout. Before his gold medal victory, he had qualified for the 50m butterfly final with a strong preliminary time of 25.16 seconds, which placed him comfortably ahead of his competitors. The young swimmer also won a bronze medal in the 50m freestyle earlier in the competition, adding to his personal medal tally and demonstrating his versatility in multiple swimming categories.

Shawqi’s gold medal further strengthened the UAE’s standing in the overall medal table. The country’s athletes have collectively earned 19 medals, including 8 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze, placing the UAE sixth overall and first among Arab nations. China continues to lead the Games with 98 medals, followed by Uzbekistan with 40 and Thailand with 33. The UAE’s performance highlights the steady progress of its young athletes on the continental stage.

Following his victory, Hussain Shawqi expressed heartfelt appreciation to everyone who supported his journey. He said, “True achievement comes from discipline, dedication, and commitment in training, as well as from making the most of every competition. I owe this success to the guidance of our coaching staff, led by Coach Marwan Al Hattawi.” He extended his gratitude to the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Committee, and the UAE Aquatic Sports Federation for their constant encouragement and support.

Marwan Al Hattawi, Head Coach of the UAE National Swimming Team, praised Shawqi’s determination and skill. He said that Shawqi’s gold medal was the result of months of consistent preparation and teamwork. Al Hattawi highlighted that training for the Asian Youth Games began on 20 June, with the selection of swimmers in the eligible age categories. Intensive sessions focused on physical endurance, speed, and mental resilience, ensuring that athletes were in top form when competing at the Games.

Hussain Shawqi’s success is more than an individual achievement—it represents the growth of UAE sports at the youth level. His record-setting win underlines the effectiveness of the UAE’s sports development programs and its commitment to nurturing talented athletes who can compete on the world stage. With his determination and discipline, Shawqi has become a symbol of hope and excellence for the next generation of Emirati swimmers.

The UAE National Swimming Team is already setting its sights on upcoming international championships. Coach Al Hattawi noted that the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement, with the goal of achieving more podium finishes in regional and global events. For Hussain Shawqi, this gold medal marks just the beginning of a promising international career, and his journey continues to inspire young athletes across the UAE to pursue excellence in sports.