For the first time, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi, is hosting the Open Masters Games — the largest multi-sport event in the Middle East. From February 6 to 15, over 25,000 participants from 92 countries will compete in 38 sports without any age or qualification barriers. This was reported by MiddleAsianNews.
The competitions are held at 38 high-class venues in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, including 18 indoor and 20 outdoor facilities.
92-year-old Radnaa Tseren from Mongolia demonstrates that age is no barrier to achieving success: he became the winner of the 200-meter race, leaving his competitors far behind and winning the hearts of the spectators.
With a time of 39.64 seconds, Radnaa outpaced his nearest competitor by more than four seconds in the adult category, which also included athletes aged 70 and 80.
“I don’t get tired of running. I want to remain a champion and keep winning even at 95,” he shared. “I am happy that I can outrun younger competitors.”
Radnaa, the oldest participant in the competition, also won a silver medal in the 100-meter race and is preparing for competitions in the 400, 800, 1500 meters, and triple jump this week.
He is not afraid of the busy schedule of the last days of the competition and is determined to continue his sports career for many years.
Radnaa is a retiree and former physical education teacher who taught at a middle school in South Gobi for decades. He leads a strict lifestyle. Despite the extreme cold, which can reach -30°C in Mongolia, this does not stop him from regular training at home.
Every morning he gets up at 5 a.m., does pull-ups in bed, and then energetically climbs onto a high stool to get his heart rate up.
“It’s very cold in Mongolia, and there’s a lot of snow outside. But I train every day,” he noted. “The most challenging distance for me is 1500 meters, as it is a long race.”
Secrets of Success
His advice to the youth is to be dedicated to training.
“Engage in sports, run if you can, walk, avoid alcohol and smoking, and most importantly — always warm up before running,” added Tseren.
Love for Sports
Radnaa has 10 children and 36 grandchildren, and he has passed his passion for physical activity to his family.
His 15-year-old grandson is participating in swimming competitions in the UAE this week, while Radnaa competes in the Masters category. Three of his children work as physical education teachers.
His son and daughter accompany him to competitions around the world.
“We make sure he is comfortable during training, that he stretches enough and eats well,” noted Badrah Radnaa, his 64-year-old son and school swimming coach. “My father is omnivorous but prefers smoked beef and hot soup.”
The Radnaa family is confident that he inspires the youth in Mongolia by continuing to win competitions.
“My father is a role model for many Mongolians, and they are proud of him,” says his son. “For him, age doesn’t matter, and he always sets new goals.”
The spectators in Abu Dhabi watched in awe as Mr. Radnaa raced down the track.
“I heard he is over 90 years old. It’s incredible how fast he moves. This is worth remembering,” shared 52-year-old athlete Shalin Perera from Sri Lanka.
