Khorfakkan, UAE : The United Arab Emirates created sporting history on Sunday by winning the inaugural BWF AirBadminton World Cup, defeating top seeds China 60–54 in the National Teams Relay final at Khorfakkan Beach. The landmark victory marks the UAE’s greatest achievement in badminton to date.
Backed by a passionate home crowd and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the UAE team delivered a composed and fearless performance against one of the world’s strongest badminton nations.
Dubai-based New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA) stars Dhiren Ayyappan and Aleena Qathun played a pivotal role in the title-winning run, showcasing years of preparation and seamless teamwork. The UAE’s road to gold included a stunning 60–56 quarter-final win over Hong Kong China and a dominant 60–42 semi-final victory against Egypt.
The tournament featured 96 elite athletes from 12 countries across five continents, highlighting the global stature of the event. The triumph stands as a major validation of the UAE Badminton Federation’s long-term development vision and signals the nation’s emergence as a true global force in the sport.
The championship trophy was presented by Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Chief of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan, sealing a historic moment for UAE sport.
