UAE Archers Deliver Commendable Performances at Dakar Youth Olympics
UAE national archery team members Khalifa Al Kaabi and Huda Al Ali advanced to the round of 16 in the Olympic recurve competition at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. In the round of 32, Al Kaabi defeated Mauritius’ Yugveer Jagadish Bissessur 6–2, while Huda Al Ali beat Romania’s Daria Graur 7–1.
Al Kaabi delivered an excellent performance in the individual event, reaching the round of 16 before losing 6–4 to Australia’s Brock Penna. Huda Al Ali will face Türkiye’s Dünya Yenihayat tomorrow (Monday), seeking a place in the quarter-finals.
Al Kaabi continues his participation in the mixed team event alongside his teammate Huda Al Ali, with the pair facing the Egyptian national team in the round of 16.
In cycling, Sultan Al Hammadi, a member of the UAE national cycling team, finished 33rd in the road race at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, completing the 76.5km course in 1 hour, 54 minutes and 41 seconds.
Saeed Al Naqbi: Dakar Youth Olympics Strengthen Bridges and Bring Peoples Closer Together
His Excellency Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi, UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, affirmed that Senegal’s hosting of the fourth Summer Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, marks a historic milestone as the first Olympic event to be held on African soil.
His Excellency praised Senegal’s efforts in organising the event and the warm welcome extended to participating delegations, stressing that hosting the Games highlights the country’s standing and its role in bringing together young people from around the world through the values of friendship, understanding and fair competition.
He noted that UAE–Senegal relations rest on firm foundations of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, and continue to grow across various fields. He affirmed both countries’ commitment to strengthening these relations and expanding cooperation in ways that serve their shared interests and pave the way for a broader strategic partnership. He added that Dakar’s hosting of the Games provides an opportunity to strengthen sporting and youth ties and promote cultural exchange between the two peoples.
He explained that the UAE’s participation builds on its involvement in the Youth Olympic Games since their inception in Singapore in 2010 and reflects the nation’s continued commitment to developing sport and investing in young talent. The Games also offer Emirati athletes an opportunity to gain international experience and compete against leading young athletes from around the world, helping prepare a generation capable of representing the UAE at international sporting events.
His Excellency emphasised that Dakar 2026 goes beyond sporting competition to serve as a global gathering of young people united by the Olympic values of friendship, respect and excellence, fostering understanding between cultures and building lasting human connections.
He expressed his best wishes to the remaining UAE athletes for continued success and further achievements following the nation’s first gold medal in its history of participation in the Youth Olympic Games. He also wished Senegal and the Organising Committee every success in staging the Games, leaving a lasting sporting and youth legacy for Senegal and the African continent while reinforcing sport’s role as a bridge between peoples.
Marwan Al Hattawi: Abdullah Al Ameri Achieved His Goals in Dakar and Gained Valuable Olympic Experience
Swimming coach Marwan Al Hattawi expressed satisfaction with UAE national team swimmer Abdullah Al Ameri’s performances in the 100m freestyle and 100m backstroke events at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, affirming that the swimmer put in a commendable performance and demonstrated a strong competitive spirit and great determination.
Al Hattawi said: “Abdullah achieved the objectives of his participation to a highly satisfactory standard, delivering performances close to his personal bests while gaining valuable Olympic experience. He also handled the pressures of competition with a positive attitude and discipline, demonstrating a good ability to adapt to the exceptional circumstances surrounding his participation.”
He explained that the Games highlighted Al Ameri’s good technical and physical capabilities, noting that the next phase would focus on developing speed and endurance in freestyle, alongside improving starts, turns and underwater performance in backstroke. These improvements will help him achieve better personal times and enhance his competitive ability.
He added: “The most significant benefits of this participation include gaining Olympic experience and international exposure, building self-confidence and developing sporting maturity. These are factors that will support Abdullah’s future progress. He will continue his training programme in preparation for upcoming competitions, with the aim of strengthening his ability to compete at Gulf, Arab and Asian levels.”
Concluding, Al Hattawi said: “We extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE Olympic Committee for its considerable efforts in overcoming challenges and providing the best possible conditions for our athletes in Dakar. We also take pride in the spirit of teamwork, cooperation and solidarity demonstrated by all members of the UAE delegation, which helped us overcome challenges and represent the UAE with distinction.”
