UAE Soars to Seventh Place at 3rd Asian Youth Games with Six Medals
Manama, 25th October, 2025 — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has stepped up its medal count at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in the Kingdom of Bahrain, reaching a total of six medals: three gold, one silver, and two bronze. This strong showing currently places the UAE in seventh place overall among competing nations, as over 5,000 athletes from 45 countries compete in the multi-sport continental event, set to continue through 31 October. The UAE is contesting events across 19 different sports.
A standout achievement for the UAE comes from its mixed martial arts (MMA) programme, which continues to shine on the continental stage. Salem Al Hammoud triumphed in the 75 kg MMA category, clinching gold after defeating Afghanistan’s Ahmad Fayyaz in the final. Ghala Al Hammadi captured a bronze medal in the 50 kg women’s MMA after overcoming Kyrgyzstan’s Kubanyshbekova Meryam.
This success is a significant milestone for the UAE’s drive to develop mixed martial arts, and highlights the nation’s investment in young talent, as well as the effectiveness of its training infrastructure.
According to Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation:
“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. What distinguishes our participation in this championship is that the athletes’ performance aligned perfectly with our ambitious plans to build a generation capable of competing at both continental and international levels.
We have a clear vision and well-structured programmes, and our athletes are confidently translating that vision into reality with remarkable fighting spirit.”
Reflecting on his victory, Salem Al Hammoud stated:
“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. The final was a real test against a strong opponent, but my self-confidence and trust in the coach’s plan gave me the edge. This gold medal is the result of hard work and great sacrifices throughout the preparation period. I look forward to building on this achievement in future competitions and earning more victories for the UAE.”
Ghala Al Hammadi shared her own aspirations, adding:
“I entered the championship with a winning mindset, not just to participate. Earning a bronze medal at this continental level gives me even greater motivation to continue improving. I’ll return to training with stronger determination than ever, because my ambition is to go for gold next time.”
The UAE national athletics team also contributed to the nation’s growing medal tally, adding four more medals:
- Arwa Ali captured gold in the women’s 100 m event and also secured a spot in the women’s 200 m final.
- Aisha Mohammed took gold in the women’s 400 m race.
- Saeed Omar claimed silver in the men’s 400 m.
- Mohammed Adel Al Ali earned bronze in the hammer throw with a distance of 62.03 metres.
Elsewhere, UAE national team athletes Aya Al Ishari and Issam Khalil progressed to the Muay Thai semi-finals. Aya Al Ishari advanced in the 48 kg category, and Issam Khalil in the 57 kg category, both keeping their medal hopes alive as they move into the evening showdowns at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre.
In equestrian sports, the UAE national show jumping team placed fifth in the team event with a combined time of 244.15 seconds. The team included Mabhout Al Kaabi, Alya Al Muhairi, Mohammed Al Ghurair, and Saleh Al Kaabi. Individual show jumping events will follow on Sunday.
With athletes continuing to compete and finals still ahead, the UAE is poised to further add to its impressive medal haul and consolidate its position among the continent’s sporting elite.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
