The UAE national jiu-jitsu team continues to shine at the eighth edition of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, at the Mubadala Arena. With over 1,500 players from more than 30 countries participating, the UAE team has amassed an impressive tally of 11 colored medals, including 3 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze across various weight categories, enhancing their prospects of retaining the title.
The competitions, attended by distinguished figures such as Panayiotos Theodoroupolis, President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and His Excellency Abdel Moneim Al-Sayyed Mohammed Al Hashemi, President of the Emirati and Asian Federations, saw the UAE champions clinch additional medals on the second day. Notable achievements include silver medals secured by Mahra Mahfouz and Khaled Al Shehhi in the 70 kg and 62 kg weight categories respectively, as well as bronze medals won by Shamsa Al Amri and Mohammed the Swede in the 57 kg and 69 kg categories.
Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, a member of the Board of Directors of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, lauded the team’s performance and expressed confidence in their ability to defend the title. He emphasized the importance of rigorous preparation and highlighted the talent within the national team.
Muhammad Saif al-Islam, coach of the Bangladesh Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the UAE’s role in promoting and developing the sport, citing Abu Dhabi’s experience as an inspiration for aspiring nations. He underscored the significance of events like the Asian Championship in providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Saif Al-Islam outlined Bangladesh’s commitment to developing jiu-jitsu, emphasizing partnerships with other federations and participation in international championships as key strategies for growth.
Reflecting on their achievements, Mahra Mahfouz and Khaled Al Shehhi expressed gratitude for the support of their coaches and teammates, pledging to continue striving for success. They acknowledged the challenges faced in the competition and highlighted the importance of perseverance and team spirit in overcoming obstacles.
In a significant development, the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federation signed a cooperation agreement with the Kuwaiti Jiu-Jitsu Committee, aimed at supporting and sponsoring the sport in both Asia and Kuwait. The agreement encompasses various initiatives, including resource sharing, marketing strategies, and the development of coaching and sports medicine programs, signaling a collaborative effort to advance jiu-jitsu in the region.
