Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, the UAE Minister of Sports, welcomed Riyan Malhan back to Dubai following his historic gold medal victory in badminton at the 4th Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. This achievement marks the UAE’s first gold medal in the history of its participation in the Youth Olympics, a significant milestone for the nation.
During the reception, which also included notable figures such as Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, and Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, Al Falasi congratulated Malhan, his family, and his coaches for their roles in this landmark success. He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the National Olympic Committee and the UAE Badminton Federation in nurturing Malhan’s talent and providing the necessary resources for his development.
Investment in Future Talent
Al Falasi highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering sporting talent as part of the National Sports Strategy 2031. He stated, “The UAE is home to a wealth of promising sporting talent, and we are committed to investing in its development and support.” The strategy aims to identify talent early through school and university sports, ensuring athletes are well-prepared for high-level competition.
He further noted that the recent achievements of UAE athletes, culminating in Malhan’s gold medal, underscore the importance of continued investment in the sports system. “Our goal in the next phase is to expand the pool of athletes capable of competing for continental and international medals,” Al Falasi added, emphasizing the need for a sustained UAE presence on the podium.
Building a Competitive Sports Ecosystem
Under the National Sports Strategy 2031, the Ministry of Sports is working to create an integrated competitive sports ecosystem. This initiative links broader participation with the identification and development of talent through specialized training programs aimed at elite and high-performance sports.
This comprehensive approach involves collaboration among the ministry, sports federations, educational institutions, and various sports entities across the UAE. Al Falasi expressed confidence that these efforts will prepare athletes for success in upcoming Olympic Games and major international championships.
As the UAE celebrates this historic achievement, the focus remains on nurturing future talents and ensuring that the nation continues to make its mark on the global sports stage.
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