The United Arab Emirates celebrated a landmark achievement at the 2026 Asian Games as 18-year-old Mariam Kareem clinched the country’s first gold medal in the women’s 400m hurdles. Kareem’s remarkable performance set a new Asian Games record with a time of 54.31 seconds, finishing ahead of Kazakhstan’s Adelina Zems by 0.27 seconds, while India’s Vithya Ramraj secured the bronze.
This victory also marked the UAE’s second athletics medal at the Games. Prior to Kareem’s triumph, 19-year-old Sulaiman Abdulrahman earned a silver medal in the men’s 400m final, clocking in at 44.99 seconds. The success of these young athletes highlights the rising talent in UAE athletics on the continental stage.
Kareem’s journey to gold saw her improve significantly from her personal best of 55.14 seconds recorded during the qualifying rounds. Her performance has been a source of pride for the UAE, with congratulations pouring in from the UAE Athletics Federation President Major General Dr Mohammed Abdullah Al Murr, who praised her for the achievement.
The UAE’s accomplishments in athletics at the 2026 Asian Games underscore the country’s growing presence in the sport, fueled by young athletes who are making their mark at major international competitions. These successes not only bring honor to the nation but also inspire future generations of athletes in the UAE.