Dubai: Earlier this week at his regular training base in Dragon Mall 2, UAE shuttler Riyan Malhan was preparing for another gruelling day on court when a friend walked up to him with congratulations — not once, but twice.
The first time made sense. The 15-year-old had just returned from the Hungarian Junior Championships 2026 with his first gold medal of the year. But the second?
“I asked him, ‘Why are you congratulating me again?’” Riyan recalled with a smile. “He said, ‘Because you’re the new Under-19 World No. 1.’ I was like, wow. That’s how I got to know.”
For many teenagers, that moment would have sparked unrestrained celebration. For Riyan, it lasted only briefly. Within hours, he was back to business — focused, composed and already thinking ahead.
“It’s a proud feeling — for me, for the country, for my parents,” he said. “It doesn’t come easily. There’s a lot of hard work, effort, education and sacrifices. But this is just a stepping stone. I want to become senior World No. 1. That’s the real goal.”
Eyes on Los Angeles
Riyan may be only 15, but his ambitions are firmly fixed on the biggest stage of all. “The biggest goal is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles,” he said without hesitation.
Before that, there are closer milestones: the Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, later this year, and next year’s senior World Championships. His calendar is packed, his pathway mapped out with remarkable clarity for someone his age.
That clarity comes at a cost. While most boys his age spend weekends at malls or with friends, Riyan’s social outings are rare. “Maybe once in two or three months,” he admitted. “If you want to play in the Olympics, even small things make a big difference. If you go to the mall for two hours, you could train in that time. You have to sacrifice small things to reach the top.”
The Dubai Gems Private School Grade 10 student has already built an impressive resume. Now Under-19 World No 1, Riyan counts among his standout achievements bronze medals at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain and China — both historic performances as the first player from the UAE and the Middle East to reach the podium at those events. He also secured bronze at the Asia Under-15 Championships in China in 2024. At the 2025 Badminton World Junior Championships in Guwahati, he turned heads by defeating Indian home favourite Hmar Lalthazuala in straight games in the Round of 32.
Born into sport
Riyan’s journey began almost as soon as he could hold a racket. Introduced to multiple sports by his father, Vipul Malhan, he discovered badminton at the age of four. “One day my dad went to play badminton and took me along. I connected with the racket. I could actually hit the shuttle,” he said.
What began as a hobby quickly turned serious. By six or seven, he had decided he wanted to pursue the sport professionally. By seven, he was playing tournaments. “It wasn’t because anyone forced me,” he said. “I just loved it.”
His entire family stood behind him, which further helped him shape his career. His mother, Vasudha Malhan, an educator, eventually left her job to travel with him as his tournament schedule expanded from three events a year to more than ten. “She had to choose between her job and travelling with me,” Riyan said. “It was tough.”
His elder sister, now 18, shifted her focus toward academics, often receiving less attention as their parents devoted time and energy to Riyan’s burgeoning career. “She’s very mature,” he said appreciatively.
For Vasudha, the dream is simple: to see her son represent the UAE at the Olympics. “Riyan was born here. This is his home,” she said. “He played in the Junior Indian Championships, but he always wanted to represent the UAE internationally. We are grateful for everything he has received here — the infrastructure, the federation, the school support. We feel blessed.”
Daily drill
Riyan dedicates his growth in the game to his discipline. His day begins as early as 4:30am. By 5:30am, he is in his first session — fitness training or on-court drills. After breakfast at home, he returns to Dragon Mart for technical practice from 9am to 11am. Some days include another afternoon session from 1pm to 2:30pm, followed by strength training in a gym or recovery sessions like swimming or yoga. On most days, he trains close to seven hours. Sunday is his only day off.
The travel schedule is equally intense. Since turning 14, he competes in around 13 tournaments a year — sometimes two in a single month. Balancing studies could have been overwhelming, but Dubai Gems Private School introduced the Rahhal programme to support his ambitions. With approval from KHDA, the initiative allows him to pursue elite sport while keeping up academically. Study materials travel with him, enabling him to revise between matches and flights.
Learning from the best
Riyan also had the opportunity to meet top players who offered him their expertise. At the Prakash Padukone Badminton Academy in India, he met Olympic hopeful Lakshya Sen and trained under his father and coach. Back in Dubai, Denmark’s World No 3 Anders Antonsen occasionally trains alongside him. “He’s like a friend and mentor now,” Riyan said. “He tells me what to do when I’m playing, which tournaments to choose. It feels safe getting advice from someone who has already been at that level.”
Support has also come from the UAE Sports Talent Committee, the UAE elite sports programme, the UAE Badminton Federation led by Noura Al Jasmi, and the academies and coaches who have refined different aspects of his game.
“It wouldn’t have been possible without them,” he said.
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