The UAE’s athletes have returned triumphantly from Japan, celebrating their greatest success at the Asian Games to date. At the recent Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, the UAE clinched 13 medals, including a historic seven golds—surpassing their previous record set at the last Asian Games in Hangzhou. The nation proudly concluded the event ranked 13th among 45 participating countries, marking a significant leap in performance on the Asian stage.
Pearl of Achievement: The Significance of Seven Golds
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of the UAE Olympic Committee, expressed his pride, stating, “Winning seven gold medals for the first time in the history of the UAE’s participation in the Asian Games is a proud achievement for the country.” The remarkable success reflects the honed ambitions and tireless dedication of UAE athletes, aiming to elevate the nation’s presence within Asia’s elite sports landscape. Each medal serves as a testament to years of hard work by athletes, coaches, and national federations, all unified in their commitment to the advancement of UAE sport.
Jiu-Jitsu: A Dominant Force
In a tremendous display of skill, five out of the UAE’s seven gold medals came from jiu-jitsu, a sport the UAE has heavily invested in over the years. This ancient martial art is included in the public school curriculum and taught in police cadet programs, contributing to its growing popularity. Leading the triumphs were athletes such as Balqees Al Hashmi and Khaled Al Shehhi, among others, whose performances played a pivotal role in the UAE’s overall success.
Al Shehhi’s return to the podium to clinch another gold medal for a successive Asian Games highlighted the exemplary consistency of UAE’s athletes. Women’s gold medalist Asma Al Hosani acknowledged the importance of her victory, dedicating it to the UAE’s leadership and her fellow competitors. Such achievements underline the UAE’s unwavering commitment to nurturing its sporting talent.
Track and Field: Rising Stars
The UAE’s athletic prowess was further showcased when Mariam Kareem, a teenager, secured the country’s first gold in the women’s 400m hurdles final. Her record-setting time of 54.31 seconds not only marked a personal triumph but also an Asian Games record. Major General Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, president of the UAE Athletics Federation, commended her work ethic and character, especially in bouncing back from a near-miss in the mixed 4x400m relay.
Sulaiman Abdulrahman, another young talent, also contributed to the nation’s medal tally by clinching silver in the men’s 400m final, reinforcing a promising future for athletics in the UAE.
Equestrian and Judo: Diverse Strengths
The UAE’s achievement in equestrian sports culminated with a stunning silver medal from Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi during an intense individual show jumping competition. His performance exemplified the UAE’s excellence in equestrian disciplines. Furthermore, the UAE Judo Federation took pride in Kazbek Naguchev’s gold medal in the men’s under-73kg category, emphasizing the collective effort behind this achievement.
This remarkable performance across various sports not only showcases the UAE’s multifaceted athletic capabilities but also signals a bright future for Emirati athletes. The results achieved in Aichi-Nagoya reflect a country poised to ascend in the sporting world, propelled by determination, investment in athlete development, and a strong national spirit.