The UAE national athletics team secured two gold medals at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, strengthening the country’s medal tally at the continental competition.
The victories came in the men’s and women’s 400m finals, taking the UAE’s total medal count to three after Salma Haitham Al Marri won a bronze medal in the women’s hammer throw event a day earlier.
The first gold medal was claimed by Sulaiman Abdulrahman, who produced a historic performance in the men’s 400m final by clocking 44.85 seconds. The time set a new championship record and personal best, making him the first athlete in the history of the tournament to break the 45-second barrier in the event.
The UAE Athletics Federation described Abdulrahman’s achievement as one of the standout performances of the championships. His winning time surpassed the previous championship record of 45.53 seconds, set by Chinese athlete Aiyilikesi’er Wumai’er during the 2024 edition.
The second gold medal came through Aminat Qamar Al-Din, who won the women’s 400m final with a time of 52.72 seconds, also recording a new personal best.
Commenting on the achievement, Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mur said the success reflects the strong support provided by the UAE leadership for sports and athletes, as well as the efforts of the National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports in developing national sporting talent.
He added that the medals represent the outcome of the federation’s long-term strategy to build future champions capable of competing and excelling on the international stage.
The championships are being held in Hong Kong and will continue through June 1.
