In brief
Riyan Malhan clinched historic gold in boys' singles badminton at Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, becoming the UAE’s first gold medalist. The win follows a 2018 showjumping silver and highlights growing Emirati sporting achievements. The 2‑0 victory over France’s Mady Sow was celebrated by UAE officials at the medal ceremony.
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, Riyan Malhan, a member of the UAE national badminton team, secured the country’s first Youth Olympic gold in boys’ singles badminton in Dakar, Senegal.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games marked the UAE’s second medal in the event’s history, following a silver in showjumping at the 2018 Buenos Aires Games.
In the final, Malhan defeated France’s Mady Sow in straight sets, 2–0, to claim the championship title.
The triumph is historic, as it is the first gold medal ever earned by the UAE at the Youth Olympics.
The medal ceremony was attended by UAE Ambassador to Senegal Saeed Hamdan Al Naqbi and Executive Director of the UAE Olympic Committee, Mohammed bin Darwish.
Officials praised Malhan’s performance, noting it reflects the nation’s investment in youth sports development.
Malhan’s success is seen as a milestone that could inspire a new generation of Emirati athletes to pursue international competition.
Local media highlighted the growing interest in badminton across the UAE, with several schools reporting increased enrollment in the sport.
Sports experts forecast that the victory could accelerate funding and support for badminton training programmes nationwide.
With this achievement, the UAE now stands among a select group of nations that have secured Youth Olympic gold medals in the modern era.
