UAE Achieves Six Medals On Day Four Of Bahrain Asian Youth Games

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has achieved notable success at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, amassing a total of six medals. This includes three golds, one silver, and two bronzes, placing the UAE seventh in the overall rankings. The event features over 5,000 athletes from 45 nations, with the UAE competing in 19 sports.

The UAE's mixed martial arts (MMA) programme has been particularly successful. Salem Al Hammoud secured a gold medal in the 75 kg category by defeating Afghanistan's Ahmad Fayyaz. Ghala Al Hammadi earned a bronze medal in the women's 50 kg category after overcoming Kyrgyzstan’s Kubanyshbekova Meryam.

The UAE national athletics team also excelled, winning four medals. Arwa Ali claimed gold in the women’s 100 m event, while Aisha Mohammed triumphed in the women’s 400 m race. Saeed Omar took silver in the men’s 400 m, and Mohammed Adel Al Ali secured bronze in the hammer throw with a distance of 62.03 metres.

Arwa Ali is set to compete in the women’s 200 m final on Saturday evening at Bahrain National Stadium, aiming to further increase the UAE's medal count.

This success highlights the effectiveness of UAE's investment in MMA training and youth development. Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation stated: "This accomplishment is the result of an integrated preparation pathway supported directly by our wise leadership, which has provided the ideal environment for developing this sport."

Salem Al Hammoud expressed his satisfaction: "This moment marks a turning point in my career. I faced tough bouts from day one and was mentally and physically prepared for every round." He aims to build on this achievement for future competitions.

Muay Thai and Show Jumping Performances

In Muay Thai, Aya Al Ishari advanced to the semi-finals after winning her bout in the 48 kg category. Issam Khalil also progressed in the 57 kg category. Both athletes are confident as they aim for medals at this continental event.

The UAE show jumping team finished fifth with a total time of 244.15 seconds. The team included Mabhout Al Kaabi, Alya Al Muhairi, Mohammed Al Ghurair, and Saleh Al Kaabi. Individual competitions are scheduled for Sunday.

Ghala Al Hammadi shared her determination: "I entered the championship with a winning mindset, not just to participate." She plans to return to training with renewed focus to aim for gold next time.

With inputs from WAM