‘UAE is my first home’: Dubai teenager Riyan Malhan on historic Youth Olympic gold and a Diwali to remember
Dubai: There were flowers everywhere at Riyan Malhan’s Dubai home. Bouquets from well-wishers had piled up following his return from Senegal, and his mother, Vasudha, was still trying to clear some space when Gulf News connected with the 16-year-old badminton champion over a video call. It had been a whirlwind homecoming for a teenager who had just made UAE sporting history. Only hours earlier,…
Dubai: A flurry of well-wishers’ bouquets greeted 16-year-old badminton champion Riyan Malhan upon his return from Senegal. His mother, Vasudha, struggled to find space amidst the floral tributes when Gulf News reached out to him via video call. Malhan had just made UAE sporting history, claiming the country’s first Youth Olympic gold medal.
As he entered Dubai airport, rather than a quiet reunion with his parents, he was met by supporters who had gathered to celebrate his historic achievement. "I think all my well-wishers and supporters came to the airport, and I wasn’t really expecting it, to be honest," Malhan expressed to Gulf News. His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Balhol Melhan, upon arrival, greeted the young champion with a hug and praise.
The celebrations extended to his home, where the teenager appeared remarkably composed despite his monumental victory. Representing the UAE he has called home all his life, Malhan recalled the significance of standing on the podium with the national anthem playing. "I think it was a really special moment," he remarked, emphasizing his deep connection to the UAE. The gold medal itself was never far away, as Malhan proudly held it during the interview.
Written by urgent.news from Gulf News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
