Page 19 - MOS PR REPORT FEBRUARY 2026

Press Release

H.E. Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Assistant Undersecretary 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. H.E. 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, H.E. 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, H.E. 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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