Asian Games success shows UAE is rising as a sporting force, says President of the UAE Olympic Committee

The United Arab Emirates made history at the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, setting a new standard for the country's sporting prowess. With a triumphant finale on Saturday, the UAE's 165-member team secured 13 medals, surpassing their previous best of five gold medals from the 2006 Games in Hangzhou and placing second among Arab nations. President of the UAE Olympic Committee, Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid, hailed the remarkable performance of the country's athletes.

Star of the show was Mariam Kareem, a gold medalist in the women's 400m hurdles. Her time of 54.31 seconds not only broke the Asian Games record but also established a new Asian Under-20 record. The teenager's achievement was further highlighted by her earlier success in the mixed 4x400m relay.

Sheikha Latifah bint Ahmed bin Juma Al Maktoum's contribution to the UAE's show jumping team yielded a silver medal, propelling her career Asian Games medal count to four, tying her with the record for the most medals won by a female equestrian in the Asian Games history.

Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi also added to the UAE's silver tally with a commendable performance in the individual show jumping event, finishing with four penalties in 41.93 seconds aboard Hudson De Vains.

The equestrian events saw a record-breaking five medals across the board, including gold for Kazbek Naguchev in the men's under-73kg judo category. The Asian Games, spanning from September 19 to October 4, featured more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries competing in 43 sports, 469 events, and 16 days of action.