UAE Dominates Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, Showcasing Sporting Prowess
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) delegation concluded its participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain. The event, which concluded on Friday, saw over 5,000 athletes from 45 countries compete across various disciplines. The UAE participated with a team of 152 athletes (107 men and 45 women) in 19 different sports.
UAE’s Exceptional Performance in Endurance Race
A highlight of the UAE’s participation was the outstanding performance of its national endurance team. The team secured all the medals in the endurance race, both individual and team categories, with a total of four medals won on the final day of the games. The UAE’s athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, contributing significantly to the nation’s overall success.
Individual Endurance Race Results
- Issa Rashid Al Mazrouei claimed the gold medal.
- Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki secured the silver medal.
- Khalifa Rashid Al Amimi won the bronze medal.
Team Endurance Race Results
The UAE team, comprising Issa Rashid Al Mazrouei, Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, Ali Abdullah Al Falasi, Rashid Abdul Rahman Al Muhairi, and Khalifa Rashid Al Amimi, clinched the gold medal in the team event.
UAE’s Medal Tally and Overall Ranking
The UAE’s impressive medal haul totaled 31 medals: 12 gold, 9 silver, and 10 bronze. This placed the UAE in eighth position overall. The UAE led the Arab nations in the games. China topped the overall standings with 147 medals, followed by Uzbekistan with 81 medals, and Kazakhstan with 93 medals.
The host nation, Bahrain, ranked thirteenth overall (second among Arab nations) with 13 medals. Saudi Arabia secured the fourteenth position with 22 medals, and Iraq ranked seventeenth with 14 medals.
Leadership Commendations
Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Equestrian Club, praised the historical achievement of the UAE endurance team. He emphasized that this success reflects the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai. He also highlighted the efforts to develop this sport, which is linked to the UAE’s identity.
“We are proud of the riders who raised the UAE flag high in this continental event with merit, placing the name of the nation in their sights in every stage of the competition.” – Sheikh Rashid bin Dalmouk Al Maktoum
Ahmed Rashid Al Kaabi, General Manager of the Dubai Equestrian Club and Technical Director of the UAE endurance team, expressed his pride in the performance of the UAE riders. He highlighted the team’s professionalism, commitment, and tactical discipline during the competition, despite the strong competition from other Asian teams.
Mohammed Al Subosi, the UAE endurance team coach, noted that the team’s success in securing all the medals in the endurance race reflects the high status of endurance sport in the UAE. He added that the athletes’ commitment and discipline during training were evident in their outstanding performance during the competition.
The Asian Youth Games in Bahrain served as an important platform for the UAE athletes to hone their skills and prepare for future competitions. The success of the UAE team underscores the nation’s commitment to sports development and its ambition to excel on the regional and global stage.
Source: Annahar
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