Post by : Maya Rahman

Jiu-jitsu athlete Obaid Al Ketbi delivered a standout performance to win the 56kg title at the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain, defeating Kazakhstan’s Ulikhan Aldiyar in the final. His decisive showing secured gold for the UAE and added another highlight to the country's campaign at the continental youth event.

Al Ketbi’s triumph underscores the progress of the UAE’s jiu-jitsu development pathway, which continues to generate internationally competitive fighters. He controlled the bout with tactical poise and physical dominance, reinforcing the Emirates’ strong reputation in the sport across Asia.

Team-mate Salem Al Qubaisi also reached the podium, earning silver in the 62kg division after a hard-fought final against Kazakhstan’s Batyrbek Abdulla. Although he fell short of gold, Al Qubaisi’s spirited effort was widely commended and contributed important points to the UAE’s overall score.

With these latest results, the UAE’s total at the Asian Youth Games stands at 21 medals: 9 gold, 7 silver and 5 bronze. That tally places the nation sixth in the overall standings among 45 participating countries and marks it as the highest-ranked Arab delegation at the Games.

China continues to dominate the medals table with 105 podium finishes, followed by Kazakhstan on 59 and Uzbekistan with 45. Among Arab contenders, Saudi Arabia sits 13th with 18 medals, Iraq is 14th with 11, and host nation Bahrain holds 15th place with nine.

The Asian Youth Games bring together more than 5,000 young athletes from 45 nations, and the UAE’s involvement across 19 sports reflects significant investment in emerging talent. Emirati competitors have been active in disciplines from martial arts to cycling and badminton, demonstrating breadth as well as depth.

In badminton, Rayan Malhan progressed to the semi-finals after a straight-sets victory over Indonesia’s Jin Maharishil, maintaining a strong run in the tournament. Malhan is scheduled to meet China’s Xu Ji Ning in the semi-final on Wednesday evening, with a place in the final at stake.

On the roads, cyclist Sultan Al Hammadi posted an eighth-place finish in the demanding road race, clocking 2 hours, 24 minutes and 15 seconds among a 69-rider field. His result highlighted endurance and competitive resilience against some of Asia’s top youth cyclists.

The UAE’s performance in Bahrain reflects sustained efforts by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and national sports authorities to cultivate young athletes through improved facilities and international exposure. As the Games near their conclusion, the achievements of competitors such as Al Ketbi, Al Qubaisi and Malhan signal a promising future for Emirati sport and offer inspiration for the next generation of athletes.

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