Page 125 - MOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2026

2/16/26, 10:44 AM Ryan Malhan tops BWF World Junior Rankings in landmark achievement for UAE Badminton
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 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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