UAE athletes shine at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, earning 31 medals and leading Arab nations, with endurance riders taking top honours.
MANAMA: The UAE wrapped up a successful campaign at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain by securing a total of 31 medals and ranking eighth overall — the highest among all Arab nations. The multi-sport event featured over 5,000 athletes from 45 countries, and the UAE competed in 19 sports including equestrian, athletics, swimming, and esports.
The highlight of the UAE’s performance came from the endurance riding team, which achieved a historic clean sweep in both individual and team events. Essa Rashid Al Mazrouei claimed gold in the individual endurance competition, followed by silver medallist Ahmed Abdulrahman Al Bastaki and bronze medallist Khalifa Rashid Al Amimi. The national endurance team, featuring five standout riders, also took gold in the team event.
These achievements propelled the UAE Asian Youth Games medal tally to 12 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze medals, ahead of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq in the regional standings. China led the overall table, followed by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Sheikh Rashed bin Dalmook Al Maktoum praised the riders, stating: “We take immense pride in our athletes who upheld the UAE flag with distinction. Their commitment and performance reflect the support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the national dedication to elevating equestrian sport.”
Ahmed Al Kaabi, General Manager of Dubai Equestrian Club, said the results are a reflection of the UAE’s focus on discipline and excellence in sport. “Our young riders have proven themselves as true ambassadors of Emirati sport, showing that excellence is our hallmark in every arena,” he said.
Team coach Mohammed Al Subose added that the success was the result of months of rigorous training and unity. “This generation of riders has demonstrated that determination, teamwork, and preparation lead to victory — especially in a demanding sport like endurance riding,” he said.
The UAE fielded 152 athletes across a wide range of disciplines, including new categories like camel racing and esports, underlining its broad sporting ambitions. With their landmark achievements at this year’s games, the UAE’s young athletes have written a proud new chapter in the country’s sporting history.
