Riyan Malhan Continues Impressive Run at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympics
Beats Greece’s Ioannis Sarougiannidis in Second Group-Stage Match
Dakar – Ahmed Gamal Al Din
Photography – Kamel Abdullah
Riyan Malhan, a member of the UAE national badminton team, continued his impressive campaign at the fourth Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, beating Greece’s Ioannis Sarougiannidis 2–0 in the second round of Group F. The Games are being hosted by the Senegalese capital from 31 October to 13 November.
Malhan will face Malaysia’s Lucas Lee in his final group-stage match this evening (Tuesday), a decisive encounter that will determine the group winner and secure a place in the quarter-finals, scheduled for tomorrow. The winner of each of the eight groups advances to the quarter-finals. Malhan will be looking to maintain his progress and strengthen his chances of competing for an Olympic medal.
In equestrian, UAE rider Alya Almheiri delivered an impressive performance in her first Olympic appearance, competing in the team showjumping event, which features 24 riders representing 24 countries.
Competing for Team Asia alongside riders from China, India and Indonesia, Almheiri completed her round today in 89.61 seconds, with five penalty points.
In swimming, UAE national team swimmer Abdullah Al Ameri concluded his participation in the Games by competing in the 100m backstroke, clocking 1 minute 1.81 seconds. He had previously competed in the 100m freestyle, recording a time of 56.40 seconds.
Al Ameri expressed his pride in representing the UAE at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, stressing the importance of participating in major sporting events and his determination to deliver a creditable performance that reflects the preparations and efforts made in recent months, while competing against leading young swimmers from around the world.
He explained that his preparations included an intensive training programme under the supervision of the coaching staff, alongside participation in several important competitions, including the Asian Age Group Swimming Championships, the Asian Games and the Federation Swimming Championship. These formed part of the preparation plan developed by the federation to enhance his technical and physical readiness ahead of his Olympic participation.
Al Ameri noted that his previous appearances had strengthened his self-confidence and given him the experience needed to handle the pressures of major competitions. He affirmed that his ambition extends beyond improving his personal bests to continuing to develop his abilities, qualifying for the senior Olympic Games in the future and raising the UAE flag at the world’s biggest sporting events.
The fourth edition of the Youth Olympic Games brings together approximately 2,700 athletes competing in 25 sports, alongside 10 engagement sports. Events are taking place in three cities: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
The UAE is fielding its largest-ever delegation at the Youth Olympic Games since the inaugural edition in Singapore in 2010, with 12 athletes competing in nine sports.
Representing the UAE are Abdullah Al Ameri in swimming, Hamdan Al Mazmi in judo, Alya Almheiri in equestrian, Huda Al Ali and Khalifa Al Kaabi in archery, Sultan Al Hammadi in cycling, Charlotte Thurston in triathlon, Saeed Omar, Aisha Mohammed and Arwa Ali in athletics, Riyan Malhan in badminton, and Moaz Wael in boxing.
