The United Arab Emirates officially secured its first medal of the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 thanks to a stellar performance by Sulaiman Abdulrahman in the men’s 400m final. Abdulrahman crossed the finish line in 44.99 seconds, trailing gold medalist Joshua Atkinson of Thailand by a mere 0.09 seconds. Fellow Emirati runner Emmanuel Bamidele also participated in the high-stakes final, finishing the race with a time of 45.97 seconds. Clocking 44.99 seconds and finishing just 0.09 seconds behind Thailand’s Joshua Atkinson, who won gold in 44.90 seconds, the UAE opened their medal account at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 after Sulaiman Abdulrahman claimed silver in the men’s 400m race final.
The competition was observed by prominent officials, including UAE Olympic Committee Secretary General Faris Mohammed Al Mutawa, board member Noura Al Jasmi, and Major General Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, who also serves as the UAE Athletics Federation President. Jamila Abdulrahman, also a board member of the Athletics Federation, was present to support the national squad.
Major General Al Murr extended his congratulations to the UAE leadership, including President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on this milestone achievement. He further commended Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi for their ongoing investment in national sports. Regarding the performance, Al Murr noted, “We are delighted that athletics has opened the UAE’s medal account at the Games. For us, this silver feels like gold, given the high standard of the race and the extremely narrow margin to first place.” He described Abdulrahman’s effort as an outstanding display that accurately reflects the ambitions of UAE athletics on the international stage.
Elsewhere at the Games, India asserted its dominance in Kabaddi, with the men’s team capturing a record-extending ninth gold medal by defeating Iran 40-34. The Indian women’s team also successfully defended their title, securing a fourth Asian Games gold with a 37-34 victory over the 2018 champions, also from Iran. The Indian men’s backed the women’s gold medal with their own yellow metal as they defeated a strong Iranian side 40-34 in a thrilling final at the Tokai Citizen Gymnasium here in Tokai.
Weightlifting continued to produce spectacular results, with six new world records established over a four-day span, bringing the tournament total to 15. North Korea’s Ri Won Ju secured gold in the men’s 70kg division with a 349kg total, including a record 198kg in the clean and jerk. Indonesia’s Rahmat Erawan Abdullah defended his title in the 75kg category, setting new world records in the clean and jerk at 206kg and a total of 366kg. Additionally, North Korea’s Ri Chong Song set a world record of 162kg in the snatch during the 81kg competition.
On the track, Bahrain’s Salwa Naser triumphed in the women’s 400m on a rain-affected surface, setting a new Asian Games record of 49.20 seconds. Iran’s Zahra Zarei Manoujan followed with a silver medal time of 53.38 seconds, while India’s Prachi Choudary finished third.
In a unique development, 11-year-old Esports prodigy Yuki Kurihara captured gold in a puzzle video game title. Despite competing against individuals three times his age, the Japanese schoolboy dominated the field. Reflecting on the experience, Kurihara remarked, “To be completely honest, I felt a bit embarrassed, so I couldn’t really show my expressions or change my face much.” He expressed his delight with the victory, adding, “The gold medal is really beautiful, shiny and heavy.” Japan schoolboy wins gold: Eel-loving schoolboy Yuki Kurihara, 11, won an gold medal as China powered past the 100-gold medal mark in the continental showpiece event. According to kurihara, who, He eats well to prepare for contests, bowed slightly as he received his gold medal and gave a small wave.
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