Riyan delivers historic gold for UAE at Asian U17 Championships
Riyan Malhan has delivered one of the biggest moments in the history of UAE badminton, winning the men's singles title at the Badminton Asia U17 & U15 Junior Championships 2026 in Chengdu, China.
The UAE's top seed produced a composed and attacking performance in the final, defeating China's Zhan Shing Yui in two straight games. The 15–5, 15–9 victory completed an impressive tournament campaign and placed Malhan's name in the record books.
For a player who had already broken new ground for UAE badminton at the same championship two years earlier, the latest achievement represents a major step forward.
A dominant final performance
Malhan entered the championship as the top seed and carried the expectations of a rapidly developing UAE badminton programme. In the final, he maintained control of the rallies and prevented his Chinese opponent from building sustained momentum.
A difficult road to the title
The championship was far from an easy run for the UAE teenager. Malhan revealed that several of his earlier matches went to a deciding game after he dropped the opening game.
That resilience proved important as he progressed through the knockout stages. By the semi-final and final, he had found greater control and won both matches without needing a third game.
The ability to recover from difficult starts became one of the defining features of his tournament. It also demonstrated the mental strength that has helped him compete successfully against some of Asia's strongest junior players.
Another medal for the UAE
Malhan's Chengdu campaign produced more than one podium finish. He also collected a bronze medal in the U17 boys' doubles event alongside UAE teammate Adam Jeslin.
The doubles medal added another achievement to an already historic championship for the UAE and underlined the country's growing presence in junior badminton.
From historic bronze to Asian champion
Malhan's latest success follows his earlier breakthrough at the same continental junior championships. In 2024, he became the first player from the UAE and West Asia to win a medal at the event, taking bronze in the U15 singles competition.
Two years later, he has moved into the U17 category and gone one step further by winning the title. The progression highlights how quickly the young player has developed since his first continental breakthrough.
His rise has also included strong performances on the international junior circuit, including a gold medal at the Hungarian Junior Championship earlier in 2026 and a period at the top of the BWF Under-19 junior rankings.
Why the gold medal matters for UAE sport
The victory is significant beyond one tournament. It gives UAE badminton its first Asian U17 men's singles gold and provides another indication that the country's investment in developing young sporting talent is producing results.
Malhan's success also offers a new generation of UAE-based badminton players an example of what can be achieved through long-term training, international competition and sustained development.
Watch Badminton Asia championship coverage
Riyan Malhan: key facts
- Country represented: United Arab Emirates
- Sport: Badminton
- Event: Badminton Asia U17 & U15 Junior Championships 2026
- Venue: Chengdu, China
- Singles result: U17 men's singles gold
- Final opponent: Zhan Shing Yui of China
- Final score: 15–5, 15–9
- Doubles result: U17 men's doubles bronze with Adam Jeslin
What comes next for Riyan?
The Asian title gives Malhan another major milestone as he continues to build his international career. The UAE youngster is expected to represent the country at the Junior World Badminton Championships later this year.
With continental gold now added to his growing collection of international achievements, the next challenge will be maintaining that momentum against the world's best young players.
Bottom line
Riyan Malhan's Asian U17 title is a landmark moment for UAE badminton. His straight-games victory in Chengdu not only delivered the country's first singles gold at this level but also capped a tournament in which he showed resilience, attacking quality and composure under pressure.
For UAE sport, the result represents more than another medal. It is a sign that the country's young badminton talent is increasingly capable of competing — and winning — on the biggest stages in Asia.
Khaleej Times — Riyan Malhan's historic Asian U17 gold and tournament reaction.
Badminton Asia — Badminton Asia U17 & U15 Junior Championships 2026.
Gulf News — Riyan Malhan's development and international badminton career.
Badminton Asia — Official championship video coverage.
