UAE raises tally to six medals on day four of Bahrain Asian Youth Games

New gold and bronze in martial arts

UAE raises tally to six medals on day four of Bahrain Asian Youth Games

The United Arab Emirates increased its medal tally to six — three golds, one silver and two bronzes — ranking seventh overall in the general standings at the 3rd Asian Youth Games currently hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain until 31 October. The event features more than 5,000 male and female athletes from 45 countries, with the UAE participating across 19 different sports.

The UAE mixed martial arts (MMA) programme maintained its impressive performance on the continental stage, securing two medals in the traditional MMA competitions. National team athlete Salem Al Hammoud won the gold medal in the 75 kg category after defeating Afghanistan’s Ahmad Fayyaz in the final bout, while Ghala Al Hammadi clinched the bronze medal in the 50 kg women’s category following her victory over Kyrgyzstan’s Kubanyshbekova Meryam.

This achievement marks an important milestone in UAE efforts to develop mixed martial arts, reflecting the effectiveness of the country’s training programmes and investment in young talent capable of competing at the highest levels.

Mr Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (and involved in MMA development), said: “This accomplishment is the result of an integrated preparation pathway supported directly by our wise leadership, which has provided the ideal environment for developing this sport. What distinguishes our participation in this championship is that the athletes’ performance aligned perfectly with our ambitious plans to build a generation capable of competing at both continental and international levels. We have a clear vision and well-structured programmes, and our athletes are confidently translating that vision into reality with remarkable fighting spirit.”

Salem Al Hammoud said: “This moment marks a turning point in my career. I faced tough bouts from day one and was mentally and physically prepared for every round. The final was a real test against a strong opponent, but my self-confidence and trust in the coach’s plan gave me the edge. This gold medal is the result of hard work and great sacrifices throughout the preparation period. I look forward to building on this achievement in future competitions and earning more victories for the UAE.”

Meanwhile, Ghala Al Hammadi said: “I entered the championship with a winning mindset, not just to participate. Earning a bronze medal at this continental level gives me even greater motivation to continue improving. I’ll return to training with stronger determination than ever, because my ambition is to go for gold next time.”

The UAE national athletics team also secured four medals: Arwa Ali claimed gold in the women’s 100 m event; Aisha Mohammed won gold in the women’s 400 m race; Saeed Omar earned silver in the men’s 400 m; and Mohammed Adel Al Ali took bronze in the hammer throw with a distance of 62.03 metres.

Arwa Ali also qualified for the women’s 200 m final, scheduled for Saturday evening at Bahrain National Stadium, as she looks to add to the UAE’s growing medal tally.

His Excellency Major General Dr Mohamma­d Abdullah Al-Murr, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, dedicated the national athletics team’s historic achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court; and His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee.

His Excellency said: “We in the Athletics Federation faced significant challenges throughout the technical preparation and qualification stages. However, through continuous field work, intensive technical effort, and the steadfast support of the sports leadership, we managed to reach high levels of readiness and technical excellence—today reflected in these gold, silver and bronze medals that add to the UAE’s proud record. I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to everyone who believed in our capabilities and contributed to this journey — technical and administrative staff, athletes, clubs and sports councils — their cooperation and genuine support have played a key role in achieving these honourable results and raising the UAE flag high.”

Aya Al Ishari and Issam Khalil reach Muay Thai semi-finals at Bahrain Asian Youth Games

UAE national team athletes Aya Al Ishari and Issam Khalil advanced to the semi-finals of the Muay Thai competition at the 3rd Asian Youth Games.

Aya Al Ishari qualified following her victory in the 48 kg category, while Issam Khalil progressed in the 57 kg category. Both athletes continue their campaign with confidence as they aim for medals in the continental event, with the semi-finals scheduled for this evening at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.

Meanwhile, the UAE national show jumping team finished fifth in the team event with a total time of 244.15 seconds. The team featured riders Mabhout Al Kaabi, Alya Al Muhairi, Mohammed Al Ghurair, and Saleh Al Kaabi. The individual show jumping competitions are set to take place tomorrow (Sunday).

Fahad Al Ameri: Sport is a bridge for fostering communication and unity among nations

His Excellency Fahad Mohammed bin Kardous Al Ameri, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain, affirmed that the UAE’s participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain reflects the nation’s deep commitment to sport and its firm belief in its role as a bridge that strengthens communication and unity among peoples. He noted that sport reinforces bonds of friendship and goodwill between nations, embodying its noble mission as a vehicle for understanding and peace.

His Excellency expressed optimism and confidence in the UAE delegation’s ability to achieve honourable results, particularly after securing six medals so far. He emphasised that these accomplishments add to the UAE’s distinguished record of sporting success, made possible through the constant support and attention of the UAE’s wise leadership toward the sports sector and athletes, and its commitment to providing all necessary means to sustain excellence and raise the nation’s flag high across regional and international arenas.

He further stated that the UAE Embassy in Bahrain had taken all necessary steps to provide full support and assistance to the UAE delegation, maintaining continuous coordination and communication with the delegation’s administrative and technical teams to ensure a smooth participation that reflects the UAE’s prestigious standing and distinguished image in this major sporting event.

His Excellency added that UAE sport has earned a leading status across various disciplines and that every national achievement is a source of pride for all Emiratis. He said: “We look forward to seeing the UAE continue to achieve top positions in all sporting arenas. With the determination and ambition of our youth, we will sustain the nation’s journey of success and excellence across every field.”

His Excellency Eng. Mansour Bu Osaiba, Board Member of the UAE National Olympic Committee and President of the UAE Cycling Federation, expressed his pride in the UAE national cycling team’s participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain, describing it as an important milestone in nurturing and developing the next generation of cycling champions in the UAE.

He said: “This participation reflects the ongoing efforts of the UAE Cycling Federation to train and refine promising young talents while providing all the elements of success for our national teams across different age categories. These initiatives aim to further elevate the UAE’s status on the continental and international stage. We have full confidence in our young athletes, who have already demonstrated their excellence in recent Arab and Asian championships. We look forward to this participation being a valuable experience that enhances their skills and motivates them to continue working diligently to raise the UAE flag in future competitions.”

His Excellency also praised the unlimited support extended by the UAE’s wise leadership to sport and athletes, as well as the continuous follow-up by the Ministry of Sports and the UAE National Olympic Committee, stressing that this steadfast backing serves as the greatest incentive to sustain the nation’s distinguished record of achievements and excellence.