Abu Dhabi Gears Up For The 8th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship With Global Athletes

Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Mubadala Arena is set to host the 8th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship from 3-8 May. This prestigious event will see over 1,500 athletes from more than 30 countries compete, showcasing the growing global appeal and development of jiu-jitsu. The championship, organized by the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, is a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to becoming a leading center for sports, particularly jiu-jitsu.

The competition will kick off with the adult division matches from 3-5 May, followed by the youth division from 6-8 May. Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, highlighted the continuous development of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. He attributed this growth to the unwavering support from President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and guidance from H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Alhashmi emphasized that such leadership has been pivotal in reinforcing Abu Dhabi's status as a global sports hub and a key player in promoting jiu-jitsu worldwide.

Alhashmi expressed his gratitude towards H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage, which he believes is crucial for the championship's success. This event not only enhances Abu Dhabi's reputation as a host for major international championships but also attracts top-tier athletes from around the globe.

Abu Dhabi's role in advancing sports and specifically the jiu-jitsu scene has been significant. The city's efforts in organizing and hosting major sports events have been internationally recognized. This includes three consecutive years of hosting both the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship and IMMAF Youth World Championship, as well as the fifth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in 2021. These achievements highlight Abu Dhabi's capability to deliver successful international and continental events.

The organizing committee has been diligently working since early this year to ensure that all aspects of the tournament are meticulously planned. This includes close coordination with the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, participating countries' delegations, partners, and sponsors to guarantee an exceptional edition of the championship.

With less than a week until the competition begins, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team is in training camp, aiming to defend their continental title and build on their recent success at the Asian Games in China at the end of last year, where they secured 10 historic medals for the UAE. The team had also triumphed at the latest edition of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship held in February 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, winning a total of 16 medals - including 7 golds, solidifying their position as continental champions.

This championship not only highlights Abu Dhabi's commitment to sports development but also showcases its ability to bring together athletes from across Asia to compete at the highest level. The city continues to strengthen its position as a leading destination for international sporting events, contributing significantly to the global jiu-jitsu community.

With inputs from WAM