Riyan Malhan has won the UAE’s first gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games.
The 16-year-old from Dubai beat France’s Mady Sow 21-17, 21-18 in the boys’ singles badminton final in Dakar on Thursday. He finished the tournament with six wins from six matches and did not drop a game along the way.
He beat players from Sweden, Greece and Malaysia in the group stage. He then knocked out Thailand’s representative in the quarter-finals and China’s in the semi-finals before the win over Sow.
The UAE’s only previous podium finish at a Youth Olympics came in Buenos Aires in 2018, when Omar Al Marzouqi took silver in showjumping. It was the country’s first medal at the Games.
Malhan, born in Dubai to Indian parents, now holds two major junior titles in quick succession. Just over a month ago, he won the singles gold at the Badminton Asia U17 and U15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. Two years earlier, at the same venue, he won bronze in the Under-15 category.
“It feels very special, and honestly, I’m grateful to have had these opportunities,” Malhan told Khaleej Times.
“Winning at the Asian Championships and now at the Youth Olympic Games are two moments I will always remember. Both experiences have taught me a lot, and none of it would have been possible without my family, coaches and everyone who has been there for me.”
The UAE Badminton Federation marked the win on Instagram, congratulating Malhan, his coaches and his support team.
His results have also lifted the national team. At the Junior World Badminton Championships last month, Malhan reached the singles pre-quarter-finals. In the team event, he helped the UAE beat India and finish sixth, the country’s best result at the championships.
“I’m just happy that I could make the UAE proud,” he said, “and I hope to keep learning, working hard and doing better in the future.”
