Seven Golds Set New Asian Games Record for UAE
Seven Golds Set New Asian Games Record for UAE
Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Surpasses Previous Best of Five Golds at Hangzhou
The UAE has set a new record for its highest gold-medal haul in Asian Games history, taking its tally at Aichi–Nagoya 2026 to seven golds and surpassing the previous best of five achieved at Hangzhou. The milestone marks another significant achievement in the UAE’s growing presence on the continental stage.
The record was set after the UAE national jiu-jitsu team added two gold medals and a bronze on the second day of competition, taking the country’s overall tally at the Games to 12 medals — seven gold, four silver and one bronze.
Two Golds and a Bronze for UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team
The UAE national jiu-jitsu team continued its impressive run on the podium, with Mahdi Al Awlaqi claiming gold in the men’s under-77kg category after defeating Jordan’s Mahmoud Jabr 2–0 in the final.
Asma Al Hosani added a second gold for the UAE, defeating South Korea’s Eonju Im 4–0 in the women’s under-52kg final, while Ammar Al Hosani secured bronze in the men’s under-94kg category.
The results took the UAE jiu-jitsu team’s medal tally at the Games to eight — five gold, two silver and one bronze.
UAE Medal Tally Reaches 12
The UAE’s seven gold medals were won by Mariam Kareem in the women’s 400m hurdles, Kazbek Naguchev in the men’s under-73kg judo event, and five members of the national jiu-jitsu team: Balqees Abdulla in the women’s under-48kg category, Khaled Al Shehhi in the men’s under-62kg category, Ahmed Andeez in the men’s under-69kg category, Mahdi Al Awlaqi in the men’s under-77kg category and Asma Al Hosani in the women’s under-52kg category.
The UAE’s four silver medals came through Suleiman Abdulrahman in the men’s 400m, Al Anoud Al Harbi in the women’s under-48kg jiu-jitsu category, Omar Al Suwaidi in the men’s under-62kg category, and the UAE show jumping team in the team event. Ammar Al Hosani secured the bronze medal in the men’s under-94kg jiu-jitsu category.
Faris Al Mutawa: Historic Medal Haul a Source of Pride
His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE Olympic Committee, said the UAE’s record haul of seven gold medals at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 — the most the country has won at a single edition in its history — marks an important milestone for UAE sport and reflects the outstanding efforts and performances of Emirati athletes at one of Asia’s premier sporting events.
“Winning seven gold medals so far, the highest gold-medal tally in the UAE’s Asian Games history, is an achievement that fills us with pride and demonstrates the ability of our athletes to perform at a level worthy of the UAE. As we have emphasised since the start of the Games, the moment the UAE flag is raised on the podium is worth every effort and sacrifice. This achievement is the result of the hard work of our athletes, technical and administrative teams, and national sports federations.”
His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, commending His Highness’s continued support for UAE sport and his commitment to following the participation of Emirati athletes across various competitions. He stressed that the results achieved at Aichi–Nagoya 2026 reflect the impact of this support and the confidence placed in the UAE national teams.
He added: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for his continued support, close follow-up and unwavering commitment to providing everything our athletes need to succeed at major sporting events. This support is a powerful source of motivation for our athletes to give their very best. The achievements recorded and the UAE flag being raised on the podium are the result of an integrated sporting system that benefits from His Highness’s patronage and support.”
His Excellency Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa noted that the participation of 165 athletes in this edition of the Asian Games represents an important milestone in the UAE’s ongoing efforts to develop national sport and enhance its competitiveness at major events. He added that the results achieved provide further motivation for athletes to continue working hard and benefit from the experience gained through continental and international competition.
He explained that the UAE’s participation forms part of its preparations for upcoming major sporting events, foremost among them the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. He also underlined the important role of national sports federations in preparing athletes to compete at their best on the continental and international stages.
The Secretary General of the UAE Olympic Committee stressed that the UAE’s ambitions extend beyond the achievements recorded at Aichi–Nagoya, with the focus on building on these results, continuing to develop athletes and further strengthening the UAE’s sporting presence at continental and international level.
Marouf Concludes Judo Campaign
UAE judoka Mohammed Omar Marouf concluded his campaign in the men’s over-100kg category after losing the bronze-medal contest to South Korea’s Kim Min-jong by ippon in golden score.
Marouf began his campaign with an ippon victory over the Philippines’ Kedo Isliken in the round of 16, before defeating China’s Li Haiyang by golden score in the quarter-finals. He then advanced to the semi-finals and remained in contention for a medal.
In the men’s under-90kg category, Gadzhimurad Omarov concluded his campaign after reaching the quarter-finals. He opened with victory over Kazakhstan’s Aidar Arabov in the round of 16, before losing to Kyrgyzstan’s Erlan Sherov in the quarter-finals and Iran’s Amir Abbas Choopan in the repechage.
UAE Rugby Team Moves into Classification Matches
The UAE rugby team lost 29–12 to South Korea in the quarter-finals and will now contest the classification matches for fifth to eighth place, beginning with a meeting against Malaysia. The UAE had reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in their group.
Al Loghani Concludes Taekwondo Campaign
In taekwondo, Amna Al Loghani concluded her campaign in the women’s under-67kg category after a 2–0 defeat to Jordan’s Razan Al Rawashdeh in the round of 16.
Four Sports on Tomorrow’s Programme
The UAE delegation continues its campaign across several sports tomorrow, with the national rugby team facing Malaysia in the classification matches for fifth to eighth place.
In equestrian, the individual show jumping competition gets under way, with Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi and Humaid Abdullah Al Muhairi competing at the first height of 1.40m to 1.50m, while Sheikha Latifa bint Ahmed Al Maktoum and Omar Abdulaziz Al Marzooqi will compete at the second height of up to 1.55m.
In jiu-jitsu, Faraj Al Awlaqi and Saeed Al Kubaisi will compete in the men’s under-85kg category, while Shamma Al Kalbani will contest the women’s under-63kg category.
The UAE golf team will also return for the fourth and final round of the men’s individual stroke play competition, with Callum Moulan in action.
