Emirati badminton prodigy makes history with medal in Bulgaria
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abdulaziz Yahya has etched his name in UAE sporting history by becoming the first Emirati badminton player to win a medal at an official international tournament sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). His bronze in the men's doubles event at the Victor Bulgaria Junior Challenge 2025 – won alongside teammate Riyan Malhan – marks a watershed moment not just for Yahya, but for the sport's trajectory in the Emirates.The historic result came during a standout week for UAE badminton, as both junior and senior national players showcased their growing prowess across Europe. At the Bulgaria tournament, which featured some of the best under-19 talent from around the world, Yahya and Malhan's performance in the men's doubles stood out not only for the medal itself but for the significance it carries – the first-ever international BWF medal by an Emirati athlete. For Yahya, it was the culmination of years of disciplined training, guided development, and an unwavering belief in his potential. For the UAE, it was confirmation that its investment in the sport is beginning to yield world-class results.The same event saw UAE juniors dominate the podium, with Malhan claiming gold in the boys' singles and Mysha Omer winning gold in the girls' singles, while Vaidehi Kalidasan earned a bronze in the same category. The performances underscore the depth of young talent emerging in the country – but it was Yahya's groundbreaking achievement that added historical weight to the tournament for the UAE.While the juniors excelled in Bulgaria, the UAE's senior players were making waves at the Yonex Italian Open 2025. Representing the country in the highly competitive BWF senior circuit, twin brothers Dev and Dhiren Ayyappan – affectionately known as 'DD' on the national scene – fought their way to a bronze medal in the men's doubles. Their campaign ended in the semi-finals against the top-seeded English pair, but the result served as another marker of the UAE's growing competitiveness in international badminton, not only among juniors but also at the senior level.Behind these breakthroughs lies the Elite Player Pathway, a development initiative launched by the UAE Badminton Federation in partnership with the Ministry of Sport's Elite Sport UAE. The programme is designed to identify and cultivate top-tier talent.Malhan's back-to-back international titles, including a hard-fought three-game semi-final win over the top seed from Chinese Taipei, and Omer's journey from silver in Spain to gold in Bulgaria highlight the mental resilience and tactical sophistication emerging among Emirati players.Speaking on the string of international successes, Noura Al Jasmi, the UAE federation president, said, 'This is a proud moment for UAE sport. These medals symbolise the result of years of planning, structure, and faith in our athletes. The Elite Player Pathway is delivering real outcomes – and this is just the beginning.'
As Yahya's bronze reshapes expectations for what Emirati athletes can achieve in badminton, the nation's next generation appears poised to deliver even more.
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