From rhythmic gymnast to yogasana champion: UAE star Lamia Al Farsi’s golden journey in just days

Dubai: For most young athletes, excelling in a single sport is demanding enough. But for 14-year-old Lamia Al Farsi, the UAE’s rising rhythmic gymnast, success has come not only on the mat but also in an unexpected arena — yogasana. Earlier this summer, she stunned herself and others by winning a gold medal at the Asian Yogasana Championship, held in the UAE for the first time.

Her triumph carries added resonance today, on Emirati Women’s Day, as Lamia’s story reflects the determination and spirit that the occasion celebrates — a young woman pushing boundaries, balancing schoolwork, recovery from injury, and elite-level training while carrying the hopes of her country.

A comeback after setbacks

The year did not begin smoothly for Lamia. An accident sidelined her early in 2025, making training and competition uncertain. With the help of her long-time coaches, Veronica Chukanova and Elenora Romanov, she worked her way back to fitness and confidence. By May, she was ready to return to competition at the Alem Cup, where she made a winning comeback by claiming first place in the All-Around.

“The injuries were tough, but my coaches were very supportive,” she recalls. “That gave me the strength to get back on track.”

Her return was timed with the start of a new academic year. Now in Grade 9, Lamia admits the burden of additional studies alongside a six-day-a-week training schedule is “daunting.” Yet, she has refused to compromise on either academics or her sporting goals.

An unexpected invitation

Her foray into yogasana came through an invitation from Ahmed Musabah, Director of the Yoga Committee at the UAE Sports for All Federation. Aware that she is currently the country’s only national-level rhythmic gymnast, Musabah encouraged her to represent the UAE at the Asian Yogasana Championship.

At first, Lamia hesitated. “I had never done yogasana before and didn’t know much about it,” she admits. “But then I realised some postures were similar to rhythmic gymnastics.” With support from her gymnastics coaches and additional guidance from trainers at EcoYoga Sanctuary, she picked up the basics quickly.

While rhythmic gymnastics demands precision with apparatus and a strict routine of conditioning, flexibility, and weight control, Lamia discovered that yogasana offered a different approach. The emphasis on breathing techniques and well-being was new to her, but her background made adapting easier. Remarkably, just two days of focused training prepared her to compete on the continental stage.

A proud golden finish

Standing alongside seasoned competitors from countries such as India and Iran, Lamia knew her lack of experience made her an underdog. Yet she performed with composure, executing postures with confidence. When the results were announced, she was “shocked and very pleased” to hear her name as the gold medallist.

“It was my first time, and I was nervous,” she says. “But as an Emirati, I wanted to do my best to win a medal for my country.”

Balancing two sporting paths

Following her success, Lamia has been encouraged by UAE Sports for All Federation President Saeed Al Ajil and Musabah to continue competing in yogasana alongside gymnastics. The prospect excites her, but she remains realistic about the challenges. With senior school years demanding greater academic focus, and gymnastics already consuming long hours of daily training, she is uncertain how much more she can take on.

“If the federation requires me and it doesn’t clash with my gymnastics competitions, I will always be ready to compete for my country,” she says, reflecting the sense of duty that drives her.

Inspiration on Emirati Women’s Day

Managing studies, training, and recovery from injuries is never easy, Lamia admits, but she sees her journey as part of a broader story shared by many young Emirati women athletes — one of dedication, perseverance, and responsibility.

“If I can make my country and our leaders proud of my achievements, then all the hard work, sacrifices, and tears are worth it,” she says.

Her words echo the mantra she has carried since she was 11, when she first spoke to Gulf News: never give up. Then, she had just set her sights on the Youth Olympics. Now, as a teenager with international titles in two different disciplines, she is already living up to that promise.

On Emirati Women’s Day, Lamia’s story is more than an account of medals and competitions. It is a reminder of the resilience and aspiration of young women in the UAE, and of how sport continues to be a powerful arena where they inspire the nation.