Obaid Al Ketbi Wins Gold Medal for UAE in Bahrain

The United Arab Emirates celebrated another proud sporting moment as jiu-jitsu champion Obaid Al Ketbi won the gold medal in the 56kg category at the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in the Kingdom of Bahrain. His victory came after a powerful and tactical performance against Kazakhstan’s Ulikhan Aldiyar, securing the top spot on the podium and adding to the UAE’s growing medal tally in this prestigious continental event.

Al Ketbi’s win marks a remarkable achievement not only for himself but also for the UAE’s national jiu-jitsu program, which continues to produce world-class athletes. Displaying excellent control, strength, and strategic skill, Al Ketbi dominated his match to clinch gold. His victory further cements the UAE’s reputation as one of Asia’s strongest nations in the sport of jiu-jitsu, where Emirati athletes consistently excel in both regional and global competitions.

Adding to the UAE’s medal haul, Salem Al Qubaisi claimed the silver medal in the 62kg category, following a tightly contested final against Kazakhstan’s Batyrbek Abdulla. The match was intense and competitive, showcasing the exceptional skill levels of both athletes. Despite narrowly missing the gold, Al Qubaisi’s performance earned widespread praise and contributed valuable points to the UAE’s overall ranking in the Games.

With these results, the UAE’s total medal count at the Asian Youth Games rose to 21 medals — including 9 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze. This outstanding tally has placed the UAE in sixth position overall, a significant accomplishment among 45 competing nations. Moreover, the UAE proudly remains the top-ranked Arab country at the Games, highlighting the nation’s growing strength in youth sports across multiple disciplines.

According to the latest standings, China continues to lead the overall medal table with an impressive 105 medals, followed by Kazakhstan with 59 and Uzbekistan with 45. The UAE holds strong in sixth place, maintaining its lead among Arab nations. Saudi Arabia follows as the second-ranked Arab nation in 13th place with 18 medals, while Iraq ranks 14th with 11 medals, and Bahrain, the host country, sits in 15th position with 9 medals.

The Asian Youth Games, which feature over 5,000 athletes from 45 countries, provide a key platform for young athletes to compete at an international level. The UAE has participated in 19 different sports, reflecting the country’s investment in developing youth talent and promoting a culture of sportsmanship. From martial arts to cycling and badminton, Emirati athletes continue to perform with determination and pride, representing the nation with excellence.

In other events, UAE badminton player Rayan Malhan maintained his winning streak by advancing to the semi-finals after defeating Indonesia’s Jin Maharishil in straight sets. His consistent performance throughout the tournament has earned him recognition as one of the rising stars of UAE badminton. Malhan will face China’s Xu Ji Ning in the semi-final match scheduled for Wednesday evening, and a victory would secure him a place in the finals.

Meanwhile, UAE cyclist Sultan Al Hammadi put up a strong performance in the road race event, finishing in eighth place with a time of 2 hours, 24 minutes, and 15 seconds. Competing against 69 top cyclists from across Asia, Al Hammadi’s result highlights his endurance and competitiveness in a demanding race that tested both speed and stamina.

The UAE’s continued success at the Asian Youth Games is a testament to the nation’s growing focus on nurturing young athletes. Under the guidance of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and various national sports bodies, Emirati youth have gained access to world-class training facilities and international exposure. These efforts have led to steady progress across a range of sports, reflecting the country’s long-term vision to develop champions who represent the UAE on the global stage.

As the Games draw to a close, the UAE stands tall as the leading Arab nation in the medal table. The achievements of athletes like Obaid Al Ketbi, Salem Al Qubaisi, and Rayan Malhan demonstrate the strength of the UAE’s youth sports programs and the commitment of its athletes to achieving excellence. Their victories not only bring medals but also inspire future generations to follow in their footsteps and uphold the UAE’s legacy of sports leadership in Asia and beyond.