In brief
Riyan Malhan captured the boys’ singles title at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, becoming the first Emirati athlete to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympics. The victory follows the UAE’s 2018 showjumping silver and adds a new chapter to the nation’s Olympic achievements. The medal ceremony was attended by UAE Ambassador Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi and the UAE Olympic Committee’s Executive Director Mohammed bin Darwish.
Riyan Malhan, a member of the UAE national badminton team, made history by winning the gold medal in the boys’ singles event at the fourth Youth Olympic Games held in Dakar on 5 November 2026.
Event Overview
The championship took place in Dakar, the capital of Senegal, as part of the Youth Olympic Games program that gathers the world’s emerging sporting talent.
In the final match, Malhan faced France’s Mady Sow, defeating him with a score of 2–0 to secure the top podium spot.
Malhan’s triumph signifies the United Arab Emirates’ inaugural gold medal at any Youth Olympic Games, marking a milestone for the nation’s sporting history.
Prior to this victory, the UAE had earned a single Youth Olympic medal—a silver in showjumping at the 2018 Games in Buenos Aires, awarded to rider Omar Al Marzooqi of the national team.
Therefore, Malhan’s gold represents the UAE’s second medal in the Youth Olympic Games, following the earlier silver from showjumping.
The success underscores the growing strength of Emirati athletes on the international stage and highlights the development of badminton within the country’s national program.
Medal Ceremony
The medal presentation ceremony was attended by Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi, the UAE Ambassador to the Republic of Senegal, acknowledging the achievement in this diplomatic setting.
Additionally, Mohammed bin Darwish, Executive Director of the UAE Olympic Committee, was present to celebrate the athlete’s gold medal and to commemorate the country’s expanding Olympic legacy.
During the ceremony, both officials congratulated Malhan, recognizing his dedication and the wider significance of his victory for the UAE’s sporting community.
Malhan’s gold medal contributes to a broader narrative of the UAE’s Olympic journey, where early successes in youth competitions lay the groundwork for future senior-level participation.
The announcement came from the United Arab Emirates Government News Agency (WAM), which documented the event and noted the historic nature of the achievement for the nation’s first Youth Olympic gold.
With this success, the UAE solidifies its presence in the Youth Olympic movement, promising continued investment in athlete development and international competition preparation.
The triumph of Riyan Malhan, the first Emirati to win a Youth Olympic gold, showcases the potential of the country's sports programs and serves as inspiration for the next generation of athletes across the Middle East.
