UAE Athletics Team Comes Close to Gold-Medal Contention in Mixed Relay Final
The UAE national athletics team finished seventh in the mixed 4x400m relay final at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, clocking 3:21.94. The team had been close to challenging for gold following a strong performance by the UAE runners throughout the race, before Mariam Kareem dropped the baton, preventing the team from maintaining its momentum and challenging for the leading positions.
The UAE had qualified for the final after finishing third in its heat in 3:17.00, behind China and India. The team comprised Suleiman Abdulrahman, Aminat Kamarudeen, Mariam Kareem and Emmanuel Bamidele.
In fencing, UAE national team fencers Khalifa Al Zarooni and Saleh Alblooshi competed in the men’s individual épée, with both progressing from the pool stage to the Round of 32.
Al Zarooni recorded three victories in the pool stage against opponents from Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Pakistan before his campaign ended in the Round of 32 with a 15–5 defeat to South Korea’s Hyomin Jang. Alblooshi secured two victories against opponents from the Philippines and Kuwait before bowing out at the same stage following a 15–5 defeat to Kazakhstan’s Ruslan Kurbanov.
Khalifa Al Zarooni, a member of the UAE national fencing team, described his participation as positive overall, noting that he had performed well and secured several victories, despite having opportunities to achieve a better result in some closely contested bouts.
He explained that several bouts had been decided by a single touch, reflecting how closely matched the competitors were. He noted that his approach focuses on minimising errors as much as possible, limiting the opportunities available to his opponent while, at the same time, forcing them into mistakes to create more chances to score touches.
He said that applying this approach requires time, preparation and intensive training, adding that the bouts had been highly valuable from a technical perspective and helped him identify a number of errors and areas that need to be addressed and developed in the next phase.
He added that knockout bouts differ in nature from pool-stage contests, particularly given the greater number of touches involved. This requires different preparation and a specific strategy for each bout based on the opponent and their fencing style. He explained that analysing the opponent from the outset is an important element, alongside the need to have more than one plan and avoid relying on a single approach throughout the bout.
He said that competing at the Asian Games had been highly valuable in terms of experience, exposure and the level of competition. While he had hoped to achieve a better result, some circumstances had not gone in his favour during the competition, further strengthening his determination to address the areas that emerged and work on improving them going forward.
Looking ahead, he said that immediately upon his return, he would continue treatment for his injury and work to accelerate his recovery, while placing greater emphasis on his physical conditioning and improving his overall readiness.
He added that he would also seek greater opportunities for international exposure and participation in overseas training camps, particularly with strong national teams and fencing schools such as South Korea, Kazakhstan, Hungary and France. He stressed that exposure to such high-level competition plays a major role in developing a fencer and improving both technical and competitive standards.
In shooting, Ahmed Abdullah Al Ameeri scored 566 points in the men’s 10m air pistol event, finishing 39th among 60 shooters, while Mohammed Saleh recorded 559 points to place 48th.
====================
For his part, His Excellency Shihab Ahmed Mohamed Abdulrahim AlFaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, stressed the particular significance of the UAE’s participation in the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, given the strong relations between the UAE and Japan. He noted that major sporting events serve as an important bridge for strengthening communication and bringing people closer together, while also showcasing the cultures and values of participating nations in an atmosphere that combines sporting competition with cultural exchange.
His Excellency expressed his pride in the UAE delegation’s presence at this major continental event, wishing the participating athletes every success across the various competitions and hoping they deliver performances that reflect the progress and ambitions of UAE sport.
He stressed that representing the nation at international events is both a responsibility and an honour, and that every appearance carries a message reflecting the UAE’s values, cultural identity and distinguished standing on the international stage.
In equestrian, the UAE dressage team completed its final preparations ahead of the start of competition after all four horses passed today’s veterinary inspection and took part in a familiarisation session in the competition arena at JRA Equestrian Park in Tokyo.
The UAE will be represented by Ali Khalfan Al Jahouri riding Lotus-S, Bianca Schütz riding Le Grand Ayden HB, Mohamed Jassim Alserkal riding Zen Liquidity, and Natalie Lankester riding Tesla DXB.
The four riders will compete in the team and individual Small Tour events, which get underway tomorrow, Friday, 25 September.
In the medal table, China strengthened its lead at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026, taking its tally to 120 medals — 76 gold, 27 silver and 17 bronze. Japan followed with 87 medals — 20 gold, 30 silver and 37 bronze — while South Korea ranked third with 50 medals, including 10 gold, 12 silver and 28 bronze.
Among Arab nations, Kuwait continued to lead the standings with five medals — two gold, one silver and two bronze — placing 11th overall. Qatar followed in second place among Arab nations and joint 12th overall with two gold, one silver and one bronze. Bahrain ranked third among Arab nations and 18th overall with one gold and two silver medals, followed by Jordan in fourth with one gold, one silver and one bronze, and Saudi Arabia in fifth with two silver and two bronze medals.
====================
UAE national teams will continue their Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 campaign tomorrow across several sports. The athletics team will compete in the men’s 400m, while in swimming Mohammed Al Yamahi will contest the men’s 200m backstroke and Omar Al Hammadi the men’s 50m breaststroke.
In weightlifting, Mai Al Madani will compete in the 61kg category, while the UAE esports team will continue its Games campaign in the Fighting Games quarter-finals after advancing from Group Two following a 3–0 victory over Palestine and a 0–3 defeat to Japan. Abdullah Al Muhairi, Mohammed Al Banna and Sultan Taheri will represent the UAE.
In equestrian, the UAE dressage team will begin its campaign in the team and individual Small Tour events.
