UAE achieves historic milestone with record seven gold medals at Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games
The Emirates has surpassed its previous best performance, with a remarkable haul of 12 medals across athletics, judo and jiu-jitsu at the continental Games in Japan.
The United Arab Emirates has achieved a landmark moment in its sporting history, securing seven gold medals at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games and surpassing its previous record of five golds from the Hangzhou Games. This exceptional performance underscores the nation’s growing strength across multiple disciplines and its commitment to athletic excellence on the continental stage.
The milestone was solidified when the UAE national jiu-jitsu team delivered two gold medals and a bronze on the second day of competition. Mahdi Al Awlaqi claimed victory in the men’s under-77kg category, whilst Asma Al Hosani secured the women’s under-52kg title. Ammar Al Hosani completed the jiu-jitsu team’s contribution with a bronze medal in the men’s under-94kg division, bringing the discipline’s total medal count to eight across the Games.
The seven gold medals encompass a diverse range of sporting achievements. Mariam Kareem triumphed in the women’s 400 metres hurdles, whilst Kazbek Naguchev secured victory in men’s under-73kg judo. The jiu-jitsu contingent contributed five gold medals through Balqees Abdulla in the women’s under-48kg category, Khaled Al Shehhi in the men’s under-62kg division, and Ahmed Andeez in the men’s under-69kg competition.
The UAE’s overall medal tally reached 12, complemented by four silver medals and one bronze. The silver achievements came through Suleiman Abdulrahman in the men’s 400 metres, Al Anoud Al Harbi in women’s under-48kg jiu-jitsu, Omar Al Suwaidi in men’s under-62kg jiu-jitsu, and the UAE show jumping team.
Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, Secretary General of the UAE Olympic Committee, acknowledged this significant achievement, noting that the seven gold medals represent substantial progress for Emirati sport. He expressed gratitude to the athletes, technical and administrative personnel, national sports federations, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, for their continued support and guidance.
The 165-strong UAE delegation continues to pursue excellence, with attention now turning towards forthcoming international competitions including the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Additional competition awaits across rugby, equestrian sports, jiu-jitsu and golf, demonstrating the breadth of Emirati sporting talent.
Source: WAM