UAE Achieves Historic Record with Seven Gold Medals at Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026
The UAE has secured its finest-ever performance at the continental sporting showcase, placing 13th overall and capturing seven gold medals—a landmark achievement in the nation's Asian Games history.
The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in its sporting journey, delivering an extraordinary performance at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 that underscores the nation’s emergence as a formidable force in continental athletics.
His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, commended the exceptional displays of the UAE’s 165-strong contingent, which competed across twenty sporting disciplines throughout the Games held in Japan from 19 to 4 October. The delegation comprised 117 male and 48 female athletes, representing a comprehensive showcase of national sporting excellence.
The UAE concluded the competition with thirteen medals—seven gold, five silver and one bronze—positioning the nation thirteenth among forty-five participating countries and second across the Arab world. This historic performance surpasses the previous seven-medal record, with the seven gold medals representing an unprecedented achievement in the country’s Asian Games participation since 1978.
Amongst the distinguished medal winners, Mariam Kareem claimed gold in the women’s 400 metres hurdles with a time of 54.31 seconds, establishing a new Asian Games record and simultaneously setting a new Asian under-20 record. Her achievement ranks as the second-fastest time ever recorded in this category at the global under-20 level, demonstrating exceptional athletic prowess at a formative stage of her career.
The jiu-jitsu contingent contributed substantially to the medal tally, with gold medal victories for Balqees Abdulla, Khaled Al Shehhi, Ahmed Andeez, Mahdi Al Awlaqi and Asma Al Hosani. Kazbek Naguchev secured gold in the men’s under-73 kilogramme judo category, extending the diverse range of sporting disciplines represented within the medal haul.
The equestrian programme produced notable achievements, with Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum contributing to the UAE show jumping team’s silver medal. This success draws her level with Malaysia’s Quzandria Nur Mahamad Fathil for the highest medal tally achieved by a female equestrian in Asian Games history, with Sheikha Latifah’s four medals spanning four consecutive Games appearances across two decades. Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi secured individual silver in the show jumping event, completing a strong equestrian showing that reflected sustained technical excellence.
Sheikh Mansoor emphasised that these accomplishments reflect the determination and dedication of the nation’s athletes, supported by comprehensive technical and administrative frameworks provided by national sports federations. The achievement demonstrates the continued elevation of UAE sport at the continental level, marking a transformative period in the nation’s sporting development.
Source: WAM News Agency