Saudi Arabia's Amer Mohammed has secured a place in the Round of 32 at the VICTOR BWF World Juniors Championships 2026. The 17-year-old continued his impressive run in the tournament with a victory over Philippines' Ron Ezekiel Zacarias.
The match concluded with a scoreline of 18-16, 15-11 in favour of the Saudi teenager. This victory follows his previous success in the second round, where he defeated Thailand's Pannachai Boommak to progress further in the competition.
Reflecting on his achievement, Mohammed expressed his ambition to elevate the profile of his nation on the international stage. He noted that representing Saudi Arabia at this level is a significant step in his career development.
"It really means a lot, another step in the story," Mohammed said after his victory. "It’s my dream, to make Saudi Arabia seen around the world. I want Saudi Arabia at the top, and I’ll do anything for that."
The young athlete acknowledged the challenges of competing at such a prestigious event. He highlighted that the scale of the venue and the pressure of the World Juniors environment are entirely new experiences for him at this stage.
"We’re new at this level, especially at the World Juniors. It’s a big stadium, so there’s pressure, but at the same time you’re excited to play," he added regarding his experience in the tournament thus far in 2026.
Mohammed has been working under the guidance of coach Hafiz Hashim. His recent form suggests a rising trajectory in the sport, having previously achieved double victories at both the South Africa Junior International and the Uganda Junior International.
The next stage of the tournament presents a challenging encounter for the Saudi player. He is scheduled to face the second seed, Riyan Malhan of the UAE, in what promises to be a notable regional clash for both.
Riyan Malhan also secured his progression to the next round with a hard-fought victory against Jeong Da Hwan of Korea. Malhan managed to overturn a five-point deficit at 9-14 to eventually win the match 18-16, 15-7.
This victory was particularly significant for Malhan, the reigning Asian Junior champion, as it marked his first win against the Korean opponent in three attempts. He had previously lost to the same player twice earlier this year.
Malhan attributed his success to his ability to maintain focus during critical moments. He suggested that the current 15-point scoring system suits his tactical approach, allowing him to remain competitive even when trailing during the match.
"First time in three, I lost twice earlier this year," Malhan stated. "Coming into this match I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and I had to give it my all, and I’m really happy I could win it."
The UAE player further explained his mindset during the high-pressure moments of the match. He believes that his capacity to stay in the moment is a key strength that helps him overcome physical limitations during intense rallies.
"The 15-point system has been to my benefit. My stamina not being the greatest; I know I can come back even if I’m down. It’s about whoever stays in the moment, and I think I’m better at that."
The upcoming match between Mohammed and Malhan highlights the growing talent emerging from the region. Both players have demonstrated significant resilience and skill to reach this stage of the prestigious BWF World Juniors Championships this current year.
The VICTOR BWF World Juniors Championships continue to serve as a vital platform for young athletes to gain international experience. The tournament remains a key fixture for identifying future stars in the global sport of professional badminton.
As the competition moves into the Round of 32, the intensity is expected to increase significantly. Players from various nations are vying for the title, with the standard of play reflecting the high level of preparation involved.
Saudi Arabia's presence in the tournament is a notable development for the sport's expansion in the region. Mohammed's performance serves as a testament to the progress being made by emerging badminton nations on the world stage today.
The tournament organisers and the BWF continue to monitor the progress of these young athletes. The results from the current round will determine the path for the remaining competitors as they look to advance in the draw.
Fans and observers will be watching closely as Mohammed and Malhan prepare for their next encounter. The match represents a significant test for both players as they aim to advance further in this highly competitive international tournament.
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