Page 110 - MOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2026

2/16/26, 10:37 AM Ryan Malhan tops BWF World Junior Rankings in landmark achievement for UAE Badminton
sidelines of the UAE Sports Talent Badminton Championship. The meeting, which concluded recently,
aimed to strengthen the player's technical capabilities and enhance his pathway toward world-class
performance.

Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Under-Secretary for the Sports Development and
Competitiveness Sector at the Ministry of Sports, and Chairman of the UAE Committee For Talent And
Sports Support, highlighted Malhan's achievement as a testament to the nation's strategic vision and
commitment to investing in sporting talent.

He emphasised that the accomplishment reflects a unified institutional effort and demonstrates the
effectiveness of the 'National Athlete Pathway' in preparing athletes to compete, succeed, and represent
the UAE at the highest international levels.

Commenting on the meeting with Antonsen, Suhail bin Butti noted that this initiative comes as part of the
Committee's strategy to engage and involve globally accomplished, Olympic-level athletes in talent
discovery championships across various sports.

Such initiatives, He said, are designed to accelerate the technical development of emerging Emirati talent,
broaden their global exposure, and enhance the competitive prospects of achieving international success.

Noura Al Jasmi, President of the UAE Badminton Federation, also expressed pride in Malhan's
achievement, highlighting it as evidence of badminton's rapid growth within the country.

She described Malhan as a role model of the ambitious Emirati athlete and credited his success to long-
term planning and close coordination between the federation and supporting institutions and committees.

She further added that a sponsorship agreement was signed late last year for Ryan Malhan with the UAE
Committee For Talent And Sports Support. The agreement provides comprehensive support for his
international participation, alongside technical, administrative, and logistical guidance, creating the ideal

environment for him to achieve further world-class performance and raise the UAE flag at international
arenas.

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