In an extraordinary sporting achievement, 15-year-old Dubai resident Riyan Malhan has ascended to the top position in the Badminton World Federation’s Under-19 global rankings. The Indian-origin teenager has accomplished this remarkable feat while competing against older athletes, establishing himself as the first player from both the UAE and West Asia to reach such heights in junior badminton.
Malhan’s journey to the pinnacle of youth badminton represents a significant departure from his family’s academic background. His rapid rise through the ranks has been characterized by consistent medal-winning performances at international competitions. In 2024, he made history by securing a medal at the Badminton Asia U17 and U15 Junior Championships in Chengdu, China. His success continued through 2025 with a bronze medal at the Asian Youth Games and most recently, a gold medal at an international tournament in Hungary.
The young champion attributes his success to intensified training regimens and comprehensive skill development. ‘My training has been much more intense, my fitness has improved significantly,’ Malhan stated in an interview. ‘My coaching team has systematically addressed all my weaknesses to transform me into a more complete player.’
Malhan has expressed profound gratitude for the support ecosystem in the UAE, specifically acknowledging the UAE Badminton Federation and its president Noura Al Jasmi. He emphasized that without the backing of his coaches and the sports talent development committee, his achievement would not have been possible.
Dubai’s emergence as a global badminton hub has provided Malhan with unique advantages. The city regularly hosts elite players including Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen and world bronze medalist Lakshya Sen. Malhan has had the opportunity to train regularly with world number three Anders Antonsen of Denmark, whose mentorship has substantially contributed to his technical development.
Looking ahead, Malhan has set his sights on representing the UAE at the Youth Olympic Games, with his ultimate ambition being competition at the Summer Olympic Games. Inspired by legendary Chinese player Lin Dan, Malhan recognizes that reaching these goals will require continued dedication and rigorous preparation in Dubai’s world-class training environment.