Midway through the currently ongoing Asian Games at Jakarta and Palembang in Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates leads the Gulf countries in terms of the number of medals won so far. The nation has won three gold medals, six silvers and three bronze medals so far. It is expected that Sheikha Latifa could lead the UAE Equestrian Team to win more medals. Here is the update so far:
The UAE jiu-jitsu contingent has done extremely well so far. The players have been able to capture two bronze medals and several other medals so far. In addition the nation has done well at skeet, with Saif Al Mansoori managing to win a bronze as well.
The UAE jiu-jitsu contingent has also managed to rake in 6 silver medals: in the men's 56 kg, 62 kg, 85 kg and 69 kg categories. Khalfan Belboul was favourite to win the gold in his weight category before he fractured his ankle and ruled himself out of the final bout. In the event he settled for silver.
The women's jiu-jitsu contingent also showed its mettle with a silver medal in the women’s 49kg division. The 17 year old is from a family of fighters. She along with her sisters Maha and Hana are representing their country in this sport.
Hamad Nawad won the gold medal for his country in the 56 kg division just a day before he turned 18. Faisal Al Ketbi was the other UAE athlete to win a gold medal at the Asian games. He topped the men's 94kg division, jiu-jitsu.
Ali Al Lanjawi managed to win the gold medal in the Jet Ski Runabout Limited event. He overcame tough competition from the Indonesian and Chinese competitors to triumph in the end.
An accomplished rider, Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum is confident of adding to the medal tally of her country. She leads her country at the team and individual show jumping equestrian events. Earlier she had been a part of the team that won the bronze at the 2006 Doha Games. She also won silvers in the individual and team events at the 2010 games at Guangzhou.
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