Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, has lauded the national team’s historic performance at the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. The country achieved its most successful result since its debut in the continental competition in 1978, securing 13th place out of 45 participating nations. The UAE placed 13th among 45 participating nations in the overall medal standings as the continental sporting showcase concluded in Japan. Followed by team silver and individual silver at Guangzhou 2010, before adding another team silver to her overall tally at Aichi–Nagoya 2026, sheikha Latifah won team bronze at Doha 2006.
The UAE concluded the Games, held from September 19 to October 4, with a total of 13 medals. This haul included seven gold, five silver, and one bronze. Notably, the seven gold medals marked the highest count in the nation’s history, surpassing the previous record of five set at the Hangzhou Games. Sheikh Mansoor emphasized that this achievement reflects the unwavering determination of the athletes, as well as the tireless efforts of technical and administrative staff and national federations during both preparation and competition.
Individual excellence was a defining theme of the UAE’s campaign. Mariam Kareem made headlines by winning gold in the women’s 400m hurdles with a time of 54.31 seconds. Her victory set a new Asian Games record and a new Asian U20 record, representing the second-fastest U20 time globally in the event. Sheikh Mansoor praised her resilience, noting that she transitioned from a difficult finish in the mixed 4x400m relay to secure a golden performance. Underscoring her exceptional athletic prowess at a young age, kareem’s performance also marked the second-fastest time ever recorded in the women’s 400m hurdles within the U-20 age group at the world stage. Exemplifying the strength of character required to overcome difficult moments and transform them into motivation for new achievements, kareem then returned to deliver an exceptional performance in the 400m hurdles and claim gold.
Equestrian competition also proved fruitful for the UAE. Sheikha Latifah Bint Ahmed Bin Juma Al Maktoum earned a silver medal as part of the show jumping team, marking her fourth career Asian Games medal. This accomplishment ties her with Malaysia’s Quzandria Nur Mahamad Fathil for the highest medal tally ever achieved by a female equestrian in the tournament’s history. Sheikh Mansoor highlighted her experience and ability to compete at the highest level as a model for Emirati athletes. He applauded the consistently strong displays recorded by the UAE riders during the Games and their ability to compete hard and ensure podium finishes.
On the final day of the Games, Abdullah Humaid Al Muhairi added another silver to the national total in the individual show jumping event, finishing with four penalties in 41.93 seconds aboard Hudson De Vains. Other notable silver medalists included Suleiman Abdulrahman in athletics, Al Anoud Al Harbi and Omar Al Suwaidi in jiu-jitsu, and the wider show jumping team. Ammar Al Hosani secured a bronze medal in jiu-jitsu to complete the count.
Gold medal success extended across several disciplines, with victories from Kazbek Naguchev in the men’s under-73kg judo category and a dominant jiu-jitsu squad consisting of Balqees Abdulla, Khaled Al Shehhi, Ahmed Andeez, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, and Asma Al Hosani.
The UAE’s 165-member delegation, comprising 117 men and 48 women, competed across a diverse array of sports, including swimming, football, taekwondo, cycling, golf, shooting, archery, sailing, fencing, rugby, and weightlifting. The event also served as a milestone for the nation’s sporting growth, as the modern pentathlon and padel teams made their debut appearances at the Games.
The Asian Games featured more than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials from 45 countries. Across 16 days, the Aichi-Nagoya program included 469 events within 71 disciplines, cementing its status as the world’s second-largest multi-sport competition following the Summer Olympics. The Asian Games’ overall programme featured 43 sports, 71 disciplines and 469 events, making it the world’s second-largest multi-sport event after the Summer Olympic Games.
