The United Arab Emirates celebrated a historic achievement at the 2026 Asian Games as 18-year-old Mariam Kareem clinched the nation’s first gold medal in the women’s 400m hurdles. Kareem delivered an exceptional performance, setting a new Asian Games record with a time of 54.31 seconds, edging out Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems by 0.27 seconds. India’s Vithya Ramraj secured the bronze medal in the event.
Kareem’s victory not only marked a significant milestone for the UAE but also highlighted her personal progress, as she improved on her qualifying time of 55.14 seconds. Her triumph is a testament to her dedication and skill, earning her recognition from the UAE Athletics Federation. Major General Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, the federation’s president, extended his congratulations to Kareem for her outstanding achievement.
The UAE’s success in athletics at the Asian Games was further underscored by the performance of Sulaiman Abdulrahman. The 19-year-old athlete won a silver medal in the men’s 400m final, clocking in at 44.99 seconds, which contributed to the UAE’s medal tally in athletics.
This accomplishment by the UAE athletes reflects the nation’s growing prominence in the field of sports, particularly in athletics, and underscores the potential of young athletes like Kareem and Abdulrahman to achieve further success on the international stage.