UAE athletes with their medals and national flags during the Gulf Youth Games UAE 2024.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Riding high on phenomenal performances, the UAE surged ahead after amassing a total of 85 medals by the conclusion of the third day of the inaugural Gulf Youth Games UAE 2024.

UAE hosts the first-ever Gulf Youth Games on its soil, welcoming together over 3,500 athletes who are competing in a diverse array of 24 disciplines.

Taking place under the theme “Our Gulf is One... Our Youth is Promising," the first Gulf Youth Games began on Tuesday and will continue until May 2 promising a thrilling spectacle for participants and spectators alike.

The UAE further cemented its commanding position, as both male and female athletes showcased their prowess by clinching an impressive total of 48 medals.

This remarkable achievement bolstered their overall tally to 85, maintaining their lead in the competition.

Among these medals were 25 gold, 36 silver, and 24 bronze, highlighting the talent and dedication among Emirati athletes. Following closely behind, Kuwait secured 39 medals, comprising 10 gold, 13 silver, and 16 bronze, securing the second position.

Saudi Arabia are on the third spot with 33 medals, including 15 gold, 10 silver, and eight bronze. The Oman are on sitting on fourth place with 18 medals, boasting 12 gold, four silver, and two bronze. Bahrain followed closely behind in fifth place, garnering 18 medals including six gold, six silver, and six bronze. Qatar rounded out the standings in sixth place with seven medals, featuring three gold and four bronze.

On the third day of competition, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu team showcased their dominance, clinching a total of 23 medals, including 10 gold, five silver, and eight bronze.

The Saudi Arabia team secured six medals, comprising two gold, three silver, and one bronze. Kuwait and Bahrain each claimed two silver and one bronze medals, while Kuwait added another bronze to their tally.

In athletics, the UAE continued to bolster their medal count with 11 podium finishes, including two golds, five silvers, and four bronzes. Kuwait followed closely behind with 9 medals, featuring 2 golds, 3 silvers, and 4 bronzes. Saudi Arabia clinched 6 medals, including 3 golds, 2 silvers, and 1 bronze, while Oman secured two golds and one bronze, and Bahrain earned one gold medal.

The UAE athletics team for People of Determination continued their impressive performance, securing 14 medals in total. Among these were four gold medals, five silver medals, and a bronze.

The Bahraini team also made a notable showing with six medals, including two golds and four silvers. Meanwhile, the Saudi team claimed three golds, the Oman secured three medals comprising gold, silver, and bronze, and the Qatari team clinched two golds.

China’s Li Quanhai, president of World Sailing, commended the UAE’s exemplary organisation and hosting of the inaugural Gulf Youth Games 2024 which is being held with record participation of 3,500 male and female athletes. He emphasised the tournament’s pivotal role in fostering the growth of young talent in modern sailing across the region.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, warmly welcomed Quanhai during his visit to Abu Dhabi, where he accepted the invitation to witness the sailing competitions firsthand.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, accompanied by Quanhai, met male and female players as well as members of the Gulf national teams taking part in the tournament.

The president of World Sailing exchanged souvenir with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan and Amal Bushlakh, a board member of the National Olympic Committee.

Quanhai expressed his delight at being in the UAE to witness the modern sailing competitions at the Gulf Youth Games. He emphasized the significance of such tournaments in preparing the younger generation for future advancements in the sport. Witnessing the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of these young sailors was indeed inspiring for him.

Quanhai expressed optimism about the future of sailing in the Gulf region. He extended his gratitude to the UAE for hosting and organising the event, highlighting the fantastic atmosphere and ideal weather that contributed to the vibrancy of the competition. Quanhai commended the racing programme and its categories established by the organising committee, recognizing their role in promoting the sport of sailing.