UAE Dominate Singles Categories at Spanish International U19 2025, Surpass Germany in Medal Tally
Alicante, Spain – June 8, 2025
In a sensational display of rising talent and determination, the UAE Junior Badminton Team etched their name in history by securing Gold and Silver medals in both Men’s and Women’s Singles at the Spanish International U19 Championship, which concluded on Sunday in Alicante. This remarkable feat propelled the UAE to the top of the overall medal tally, ahead of badminton powerhouses such as Germany, Thailand, and Denmark.
A Golden Generation Emerging
In the Boys’ Singles U19, Riyan MALHAN, who just turned 15, clinched Gold after a series of stunning victories over higher-ranked and older opponents. His compatriot, Adam JESLIN, who is yet to turn 15, showcased equal resilience and skill to earn the Silver, making it a clean sweep for the UAE.
In the Women’s Singles U19, the top honors went to Prakriti BHARATH, who lived up to her second seeding with an emphatic, undefeated run. She overcame her teammate Mysha OMER in the finals, who fought valiantly to bring home the Silver.
Surprise Podium Finish in Mixed Doubles
Adding to the medal count, the new pairing of Adam JESLIN and Mysha OMER brought home a well-earned Bronze in the Mixed Doubles category. The duo stunned the second-seeded German pair in an early round, before bowing out in the semifinals to the eventual champions from Thailand.
Final UAE Medal Count:
- 2 Golds – Boys’ Singles (Riyan Malhan), Girls’ Singles (Prakriti Bharath)
- 2 Silvers – Boys’ Singles (Adam Jeslin), Girls’ Singles (Mysha Omer)
- 1 Bronze – Mixed Doubles (Adam Jeslin / Mysha Omer)
A Testament to Vision and Preparation
This unprecedented success is a reflection of the robust infrastructure and vision laid out by the UAE Badminton High-Performance Department, led by Performance Director Michael Norbek. With strategic support from the UAE Ministry of Sports and development programs such as “Road to Dakar 2026” and “Pathway to Los Angeles 2028”, UAE’s young shuttlers are firmly stepping onto the global stage.
“To stand atop the medal tally in a field that includes Europe’s and Asia’s finest is a proud moment for UAE badminton. These results reflect our belief that excellence is achievable with the right support and hard work,”
— UAE Badminton Federation