Maryam Karim from the United Arab Emirates has won the Best Asian U-18 Female Athlete award at the Asian Athletics Awards Ceremony 2025. The event was held in Gumi, South Korea, and was attended by top sports officials and athletes from across Asia.
The award was given to Karim after her strong performance at the recent Asian Athletics Championships for Juniors. She won two gold medals in the 200-meter sprint and the 400-meter hurdles. These wins showed her speed, skill, and growing power in the sport.
The Asian Athletics Association said her award is a result of her hard work, focus, and excellent results in major Asian competitions. They selected her from among many young athletes across the continent who showed strong talent during the season.
Maryam Karim said she felt proud to receive this award and is now even more motivated to continue training and improving. She aims to represent the UAE at future international events and to bring more medals home.
Her win is also a big moment for the UAE Athletics Federation. It proves that young Emirati athletes are starting to stand out in regional and global competitions. It also supports the country’s push to develop sports talent, especially among young women.
The President of the UAE Athletics Federation, Major General Dr. Mohamed Al Mur, said Karim’s success boosts the image of Emirati athletes around the world. Her award shows that the country can produce female sports stars who can compete at the top level.
Karim’s performance at the Asian Junior Championships was her best so far. In the 200-meter sprint, she showed great speed from the start to the finish line. In the 400-meter hurdles, she handled each jump with control and ended the race far ahead of her rivals.
The Asian Athletics Awards Ceremony is held every year to celebrate the best athletes from across Asia. It includes awards for men, women, coaches, and other contributors to the sport. This year’s event brought together leaders from more than 40 countries.
Karim’s recognition as the best U-18 female athlete sends a strong message about the future of athletics in the UAE. She is now one of the top youth athletes in Asia and has a clear path toward even greater success.
Her next steps will include taking part in international youth competitions, such as the World Youth Championships. Her coaches plan to help her improve her strength, focus, and speed for even tougher challenges.
The UAE has been working to support sports development, especially in schools and youth clubs. The success of athletes like Karim shows that these programs are starting to deliver real results.
Karim’s rise is also important for girls across the region. Her example may help inspire more young women to enter athletics and chase their own dreams of sporting success.
