Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 Concludes Successfully With Over 1000 Athletes Participating

The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 recently concluded its inaugural event at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. Organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) under Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), the championship attracted over 1,000 athletes from more than 60 countries. The event has been lauded for its exceptional organisation and competitive standards.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, highlighted the championship's significance. He stated, "The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship reflects our commitment to supporting world-class sporting events that inspire and engage. Sport is a cornerstone of our tourism strategy — it brings communities together, highlights the diversity of our destinations, and draws international visitors to explore beyond the capital. Hosting this championship in Al Ain Region not only celebrated the growing local enthusiasm for combat sports, but also reinforced the area’s growing role in shaping Abu Dhabi’s dynamic tourism landscape."

Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of IVSM, expressed satisfaction with the event's success. He noted that more than 1,000 athletes from over 120 clubs participated across various categories. The event was supported by 25 referees and 40 volunteers daily. "The energy inside the arena, the professionalism on display, and the support from our community made this a truly special edition. We are grateful to every athlete, referee, volunteer, fan, partner, and academy who contributed to this success. We will be back soon with more exciting grappling events in the near future," he added.

The championship featured divisions for youth, amateur, professional, and masters competitors across multiple weight classes. Conducted under official AJP Tour regulations, winners received 2,000 ranking points and cash prizes. This ensured a high level of competition throughout the event.

In terms of rankings for academies under-18 years old, ADMA International from the UAE topped with 49,100 points. Kazakhstan's Samat Ramazanov Academy followed with 12,000 points while Brazil's Melqui Galvao Academy secured third place with 8,000 points.

For academies in the 18+ category, Emirati teams dominated. Commando Group led with 48,200 points followed by ADMA International with 31,640 points and M.O.D UAE with 29,360 points. In country rankings overall, UAE claimed first place followed by Brazil and Russia.

This championship marked a significant milestone for Al Ain as a global hub for premier sporting events. It showcased not only local enthusiasm but also positioned Abu Dhabi as a dynamic destination for international sports tourism.

With inputs from WAM