UAE Wins 18 Medals at Asian Youth Games in Bahrain

The United Arab Emirates has continued its impressive performance at the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which are being held in the Kingdom of Bahrain until 31 October. The event brings together over 5,000 young athletes from 45 nations competing across multiple sports. The UAE is represented in 19 disciplines, showcasing the country’s growing sporting talent and commitment to youth development.

With recent victories, the UAE has now collected a total of 18 medals at the Games. This includes seven gold, six silver, and five bronze medals. The nation’s young athletes have performed consistently well, keeping the UAE in sixth place in the overall medal standings. Among Arab nations, the UAE remains the top performer, demonstrating the success of its youth sports programs and its commitment to nurturing future champions.

In a landmark moment for traditional sports, the UAE’s camel racing team made its debut at the Asian Youth Games and achieved remarkable success. The team won four medals in total — two gold and two silver — in both the boys’ and girls’ categories. The inclusion of camel racing in the Games marks an important step in recognizing cultural and heritage sports at the continental level.

In the boys’ competition, Mohammed Omair Al Rashdi secured the gold medal for the UAE, while his teammate Khalifa Suhail Al Ghafli earned silver. Saudi Arabia’s Wasmi Al Balwi finished third to claim bronze. In the girls’ event, Latifa Mohammed Al Ashkhari captured gold for the UAE, with Aisha Abdullah Al Saadi taking silver. Yemen’s Eman Salem completed the podium with bronze. The victories highlight the UAE’s leadership in camel racing and its success in transforming a heritage sport into a competitive international discipline.

Abdullah Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General of the UAE Camel Racing Federation, expressed pride in the team’s success. He stated that the achievement reflects the continued support of the UAE’s wise leadership, which prioritizes traditional sports as part of the nation’s cultural identity. Al Muhairi emphasized that the government’s investment in training, facilities, and youth programs has helped the team reach international standards. He also praised the dedication of the athletes, whose hard work and discipline during preparation led to this remarkable outcome.

Beyond camel racing, UAE athletes achieved success in several other disciplines. Show jumper Saleh Al Kharbi earned a bronze medal in the individual show jumping event after a strong performance. Malaysia’s Jamal Al-Lail Princess Sharifah Aryel Boudriah claimed gold, while Iraq’s Mohammed Hammam Harith took silver. Al Kharbi’s podium finish added another proud moment for the UAE equestrian team, known for its growing presence in international competitions.

UAE national swimmer Hussain Shawqi added another bronze medal in the men’s 50-metre freestyle. Clocking an impressive 23.43 seconds, Shawqi secured third place after advancing through one of the fastest qualifying heats. His achievement reflects the UAE’s steady progress in aquatic sports and the nation’s commitment to producing top-level swimmers for regional and international championships.

In cycling, UAE youth rider Falah Al Nuaimi also delivered a strong performance, finishing fifth in the 15 km individual time trial event. Completing the race in 22:34.34, Al Nuaimi demonstrated endurance and skill in a field of talented competitors. His result, though just short of the podium, reflects the UAE’s growing competitiveness in endurance sports and its expanding participation in international cycling events.

As the competition continues in Bahrain, the UAE proudly holds its position as the leading Arab nation in the medal table. The country’s consistent performance places it sixth overall among Asian countries. China currently tops the standings with 76 medals, followed by Uzbekistan in second with 29. The UAE’s ability to remain among the top-performing nations highlights the effectiveness of its youth sports strategy and the strength of its national training programs.

Abdullah Al Muhairi emphasized that the UAE’s success in Bahrain is the result of continuous leadership support and investment in youth sports. He said that camel racing and other disciplines receive strong institutional backing, enabling athletes to compete with confidence at the international level. He credited the athletes’ discipline, teamwork, and passion for their achievements, which serve as a source of pride for the nation.

The 3rd Asian Youth Games have become a showcase of the UAE’s sporting progress. From modern events like swimming and show jumping to traditional sports like camel racing, the nation’s young athletes have proven their ability to excel across diverse fields. Their achievements in Bahrain not only raise the country’s medal count but also strengthen the UAE’s image as a rising force in Asian sports. With several events still to come, the UAE delegation remains determined to add more medals and end the Games on a high note.