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2/16/26, 10:37 AM Ryan Malhan tops BWF World Junior Rankings in landmark achievement for UAE Badminton

Ryan Malhan tops BWF World Junior Rankings in landmark

achievement for UAE Badminton

WAM
13 Feb 2026, 17:13 GMT+

ABU DHABI, 13th February, 2026 (WAM) -- Ryan Malhan has marked a historic milestone for UAE
badminton by topping the latest Badminton World Federation (BWF) youth rankings, following his
impressive, well-deserved victory at the BWF-sanctioned Hungarian International Youth Championship.

The achievement crowns a standout run of continental and international success. Malhan previously
secured a bronze medal at the 2025 Asian Youth Games, building on his earlier podium finish at the 2024
Asian U15 Championships. Together, these achievements firmly establish him as one of Asia's elite players
in his age category.

Malhan's rise on the global stage reflects the strength of the UAE's integrated sports development
framework, led by the UAE Committee For Talent And Sports Support. At the heart of this progress is the
recently launched 'National Athlete Pathway,' a comprehensive integrated framework designed to identify,
nurture, and elevate sporting talent in line with international best practices.

Elite Sport UAE (ESUAE) has also played a critical role in his journey by providing a professional high-
performance environment through the Badminton Centre of Excellence. This includes advanced technical
support and specialised strength and fitness programs tailored to support elite-level development.

As part of its ongoing efforts, the Committee also organised a high-level specialised technical meeting with
world-renowned global badminton star Anders Antonsen, currently ranked World No. 3 by the BWF.
Antonsen, a European Games champion (2019), four-time European Champion (2021-2024), and multiple
World Championships bronze medalist (2021, 2023, 2025), met with officials and emerging talents on the

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