Riyan Malhan, a rising badminton star from the UAE, has set his sights on representing his country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The young talent continues to make waves in the world of badminton with his remarkable performance on the court.
“My immediate goal is to win the upcoming UAE tournament, which will be played on my home court,” said the Grade 9 student from Dubai Gems Private School. “In the short term, I’m aiming for the 2026 Youth Olympics, but my ultimate target is the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.”
At just 14 years old, Malhan is already showing a level of dedication and discipline beyond his years. “To reach the top, sacrifices are essential,” he said, explaining that he has willingly given up social events and junk food to stay focused on his dreams. “It’s not an option for me. It’s something I do to get results, and it’s paying off in my game.”
Early Passion for the Game
Born in the UAE, Malhan’s passion for badminton started early, thanks to his father, Vipul Malhan, who introduced him to the sport. “My father played badminton in his youth, but my grandfather didn’t support it because sports weren’t prioritized then. So when my dad introduced me to it, I took to it immediately,” said Riyan. He quickly became immersed in the game and admired Chinese badminton legend Lin Dan, whom he hopes to emulate in his own career.
Riyan’s talent quickly became evident. In 2022, he earned a silver medal at the All-India Sub-Junior Under-13 Ranking Tournament in Mumbai and represented Delhi in the National Championship in Lucknow, reaching the quarter-finals.
International Success
This year, Riyan made history by becoming the first player from the UAE and West Asia to win a medal at the Asian Badminton Championships. He claimed the bronze medal after a close semi-final match against China’s Qian Jia Xing, which ended 21-16, 21-17 in favor of the Chinese player. Prior to this, Malhan had delivered impressive wins against players from Indonesia, China, and South Korea.
Reflecting on the championship, Riyan said, “It was a great experience overall. I think I should have won the semi-finals, and if I had, I’m confident I would have taken the final. But I’ll get there next time. I’ve worked hard mentally and physically, and it paid off.”
Rising Star in European Competitions
Earlier this year, Malhan also triumphed at the Bulgarian Junior Under-19 tournament, where he showcased his growing potential. “This was my first Under-19 title, and it was also the first time I traveled alone without my parents, which made it a bit challenging. But winning the medal made it all worth it,” he said.
Despite his growing list of accomplishments, Riyan remains calm under pressure. “It’s not really pressure; it’s more motivation from my academy, coaches, and parents to keep improving,” he added.
Praise from Coaches
Riyan’s hard work has not gone unnoticed by his coaches. Tshering Samdup, his coach at Prime Star Academy, oversees his evening training, while Sunarno Martotiyoso leads his morning sessions. Both coaches have high hopes for him.
“Riyan has an incredibly bright future,” said Samdup. “From the start, I’ve seen tremendous potential in him. His progression has been impressive, and we’re focusing on the process. His technical skills and physical development have improved significantly.”
Danish coach Michael Nobaek, who worked with Riyan during the UAE high-performance camp ahead of the World Junior Championships in China, echoed this sentiment. “Riyan is one of the brightest talents in the next generation of UAE players. He has the potential to achieve great things, but it will take a lot of hard work,” Nobaek commented.
A Promising Path Ahead
Riyan Malhan’s dedication, discipline, and growing list of achievements have set him on a promising path toward fulfilling his Olympic dream. With continued hard work and the right guidance, he is poised to rise in the world of badminton.
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