West Asia Bodybuilding Team Wins 21 Medals in Impressive Regional Showcase

UAE Powerlifting Team Dominates West Asian Championships as Nation Prepares for 2026 World Hosting

The UAE national powerlifting team delivered a commanding performance at the West Asian Championships in Qatar, securing 21 medals across a 10-nation competition. With seven gold, six silver, and eight bronze medals, the Emirates demonstrated its growing strength in strength sports ahead of hosting the 2026 World Powerlifting Championships in Fujairah.

Star Performers Lead Medal Haul

Emirati champion Abdul Rahman Al Junaibi emerged as the tournament's standout athlete, claiming one gold and three silver medals in the 63kg weight category. His performance exemplified the depth of talent within the UAE squad, which saw multiple athletes excel across different weight divisions.

John Andos contributed significantly with a gold, silver, and bronze in the 105kg category, while Mohammed Al Kaabi secured one gold and three bronze medals in the 93kg division. Walid Jamoul added to the tally with gold and bronze in the open weight category, and Issa Al Marzouki claimed bronze in the 83kg class along with three additional medals in champion of champions, overall total, and best athlete competitions.

Strategic Investment in Strength Sports

The UAE's powerlifting success reflects a broader national strategy to diversify its sporting portfolio beyond traditional strengths like football and motorsports. This approach mirrors similar initiatives in neighboring Gulf states, where governments are investing heavily in niche sports to build international recognition and develop domestic talent pipelines.

Building Toward 2026 World Championships

The timing of this regional dominance is particularly significant as the UAE prepares to host the World Powerlifting Championships in Fujairah in June 2026. Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, president of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, emphasized the importance of strengthening the national team ahead of this prestigious hosting opportunity.

Hosting major international sporting events has become a cornerstone of the UAE's soft power strategy, following successful examples like the Dubai World Cup in horse racing and various Formula 1 and golf tournaments. The 2026 powerlifting championships represent an opportunity to establish the Emirates as a hub for strength sports in the region.

Regional Powerlifting Landscape

The UAE's performance at the West Asian Championships signals a shift in regional powerlifting dynamics. Traditionally dominated by countries with longer strength sports histories, the competition now sees Gulf nations investing in professional coaching, training facilities, and athlete development programs.

Faisal Al Ghais Al Zaabi, board member of the Asian Federation and president of the West Asian Federation, highlighted the systematic support structure that enabled this international achievement. This institutional backing mirrors successful models in countries like Kazakhstan and Iran, which have built powerlifting programs into regional powerhouses.

Economic and Cultural Impact

The success in powerlifting aligns with the UAE's broader Vision 2071 goals of becoming a global hub across multiple sectors. Sports tourism, particularly around strength and fitness competitions, represents a growing market segment that complements the nation's existing tourism infrastructure.

For the regional sporting economy, the UAE's investment in powerlifting creates new opportunities for equipment manufacturers, nutritional supplement companies, and specialized training facilities. The 2026 World Championships will likely generate significant economic activity in Fujairah, showcasing the emirate's capabilities beyond its traditional strengths in shipping and logistics.

Looking Forward

With a brief rest period planned before resuming intensive training, the UAE powerlifting team is positioning itself not just for regional dominance but for competitive performances on the global stage. The combination of government support, professional infrastructure, and proven athlete talent suggests the Emirates is building a sustainable powerlifting program rather than pursuing short-term results.

The West Asian Championships success provides valuable momentum as the team prepares for upcoming international competitions, with the ultimate goal of making a strong impression as hosts of the 2026 World Championships on home soil.