His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the President of the United Arab Emirates National Olympic Committee, has commended UAE athletes for their remarkable achievement at the 2026 Asian Games held in Japan. The competition was a defining moment for the UAE, showcasing the nation’s athletic prowess on an international stage.
Record-Breaking Performance at the Asian Games
Team UAE delivered an impressive performance, securing a total of 13 medals — comprising seven gold, five silver, and one bronze. This remarkable haul marks a historic high for the UAE, placing them 13th out of 45 participating nations. The team’s achievement of winning seven gold medals is particularly noteworthy, as it surpasses the previous record of five golds at the 2022 edition in China. This unprecedented success exemplifies not only the skill and dedication of the athletes but also the evolving athletic excellence of the nation.
A Thriving Representation of Sports
The UAE sent a delegation of 165 athletes, which included 117 men and 48 women, to compete in a diverse range of sports. From athletics and swimming to rugby and weightlifting, the variety showcased the depth of talent within the UAE. Notably, the modern pentathlon and padel teams made their debut at the Asian Games, highlighting the country’s commitment to expanding its sporting repertoire. This wide participation is a testament to the UAE’s strategic focus on promoting athletics at all levels.
Achievements That Inspire
Among the distinguished medal winners was Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum, who contributed significantly to the UAE’s silver medal in the show jumping event, bringing her career total to four Asian Games medals. Additionally, Mariam Kareem made headlines by clinching gold in the women’s 400m hurdles, setting not only a new Asian Games record but also an under-20 world record. Her remarkable time of 54.31 seconds is one of the fastest ever recorded in her age category, reaffirming the UAE’s status in track and field events.
Furthermore, other standout performances came from judo athlete Kazbek Naguchev, who took gold in the men’s under-73kg category, and several jiu-jitsu competitors, including Balqees Abdulla and Khaled Al Shehhi. These individual triumphs collectively reflect the UAE’s growing prominence in martial arts and combat sports.
Looking Towards the Future
Sheikh Mansour stated that these achievements are a testament to the dedication and passion of UAE athletes, reinforcing the country’s position in the realm of international sports. The success not only elevates national pride but also sets a new benchmark for future athletes aiming to represent the UAE on global platforms. The drive and ambition demonstrated at the Asian Games are expected to inspire a new generation of sports enthusiasts in the UAE.
As the UAE looks ahead to future competitions, the accomplishments at the 2026 Asian Games serve as a vital stepping stone towards further success in athletics, positioning the nation among the elite in global sports. With the government’s continuous support for sports development and athlete training, the UAE is poised for even greater feats in the years to come.