Young Emirati Athletes Shine in Hong Kong, Securing Six Medals and a Top-Four Continental Finish
HONG KONG, May 31, 2026 – The UAE national athletics team delivered an impressive performance at the 22nd Asian U20 Athletics Championships, finishing fourth overall among 30 participating countries after winning a total of six medals, including five gold and one bronze.
The championship, held in Hong Kong from May 28 to May 31, brought together some of Asia’s most promising young athletes. The UAE’s strong showing placed the nation behind only China, India, and Japan in the overall medal standings.
China topped the table with 25 medals, including 14 gold, nine silver, and two bronze. India secured second place with 18 medals (nine gold, five silver, and four bronze), while Japan finished third with 17 medals, comprising five gold, five silver, and seven bronze medals.
Remarkable Achievement for a Small Squad
Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Mur, President of the UAE Athletics Federation, hailed the fourth-place finish as an exceptional achievement, particularly given the strength of the competition and the size of the UAE delegation.
He noted that the UAE competed with only 10 male and female athletes, compared to several nations that fielded squads exceeding 50 competitors. Despite the smaller team size, the Emirati athletes managed to secure five gold medals and a bronze, highlighting the effectiveness of the federation’s athlete development and preparation programmes.
According to Al Mur, the result reflects the federation’s continued success in identifying and nurturing talented athletes capable of competing at the highest levels across Asia and beyond.
Building for the Future
The federation president emphasized that the championship result represents an important step in the UAE Athletics Federation’s long-term development strategy. The approach focuses on gradually progressing athletes through Gulf and Arab competitions before advancing to continental and international championships.
He expressed confidence that the current generation of athletes will contribute to even greater achievements in the coming years as the federation continues investing in talent development and competitive exposure.
Praise for Medal Winners and Team Performance
Al Mur congratulated all medal-winning athletes for their determination and commitment, praising their efforts in raising the UAE flag on the podium at a major continental event.
He also commended the technical performances delivered by the rest of the national team throughout the championship, noting that the overall results demonstrate the growing strength and competitiveness of UAE athletics on the Asian stage.
The fourth-place finish marks one of the UAE’s strongest performances in recent editions of the Asian U20 Athletics Championships and underscores the country’s ambition to establish itself among Asia’s leading athletics nations.
