NAGOYA, 20th September, 2026 (WAM) -- UAE athletes continued their participation in the 20th Asian Games – Aichi–Nagoya 2026 in Japan across shooting, cycling, triathlon, swimming and football.
The UAE Olympic football team drew 0-0 with North Korea in Group B to earn its first point of the tournament. The team will conclude its group-stage campaign against China on 23rd September.
In shooting, Fatima Al Suwaidi scored 621.1 points in the women’s air rifle event, while Yasmin Tehlak recorded 614.0 points and Mona Al Hosani 593.4 points.
In cycling, Abdullah Jassim finished seventh in the men’s individual road time trial in 44:01.48, while Safiya Al Sayegh placed 12th in the women’s 24.2-kilometre individual road time trial with a time of 40:50.45.
Yusuf Al Henaei completed the men’s individual triathlon in 1:02:36 in a field of 35 athletes representing 21 Asian countries.
In swimming, Hamad Al Shehhi clocked 52.84 seconds in the men’s 100-metre freestyle. Salem Ghaleb finished 23rd in the men’s 200-metre individual medley in 2:12.61, while Mohammed Al Yamahi recorded 2:18.44 in the same event.
Huda Al Matroushi, President of the UAE Modern Pentathlon Federation and Vice President of the Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation, said the UAE’s first participation in modern pentathlon at the Asian Games represents a historic milestone and the beginning of a new chapter for the sport in the country.
She said Abdullah Abdulrahman’s participation was the result of years of work to develop the sport, expand its participation base and prepare athletes for continental and international competition.
Al Matroushi added that his Asian Games debut represents an important step in his career and could inspire a new generation of Emirati athletes.
Mohammed Sayed, coach of the UAE modern pentathlon team, said Abdulrahman had made notable progress, particularly in swimming and obstacle events, while gaining valuable experience through continental and international competitions.
Mohsen Al Ali, coach of the UAE triathlon team, said preparations for Al Henaei form part of a long-term strategic project aimed at developing an athlete capable of competing at the highest levels.
He noted that the 22-year-old is among the youngest competitors and said the first phase of his development focused on swimming, where he set a new UAE record of 10:10.
The current phase focuses on improving his cycling performance in cooperation with Japanese coach Genta Uchida, with Al Ali noting that around two more years of development will be required to reach the targeted level.
The Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games continue until 4th October, bringing together more than 11,000 athletes and around 6,000 coaches and officials representing 45 countries.
The UAE is participating with 165 athletes across 21 sports.
Tomorrow, Salem Mohammed Rashid Al Yamahi and Sultan Saleh Mohammed Hassan will compete in the men’s air rifle event, while Abdullah Al Ameri, Hamad Al Shehhi and Omar Al Hammadi will represent the UAE in swimming.