Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club Maintains Lead In Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Championship's Third Round

The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continued its third round on Saturday at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. Competitions were held for the under-14 and under-16 categories, showcasing impressive performances and a high level of technical skill. This reflects the ongoing growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and highlights the success of clubs and academies in developing young talent.

By the end of the day, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club led the overall standings, with Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club securing third. The event drew a large crowd of families and fans, creating a lively atmosphere that highlighted the sport's strong community spirit and positive values.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, stated: "The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship represents a key pillar in our strategy to develop the sport, especially by focusing on younger age groups, who are the foundation of long-term sporting excellence. The championship’s ranking system offers strong motivation for clubs and academies to enhance player development and achieve strong results—factors that will elevate the level of competition and expand the athlete base across the country."

Mohammed Haitham, Youth Team coach at Al Jazira Club, shared insights into their preparation: "We prepared intensively for this round, both physically and mentally, knowing how important it is in the overall championship. The team delivered a strong and disciplined performance, executing the technical plans effectively, which boosts our chances in the final rankings."

Munira Hassan, mother of athletes Saif, Saud, and Mira Al-Balushi, explained that jiu-jitsu helps children develop a balance between academic achievement and sports activities while also instilling values such as discipline, time management, and goal-setting. She added that their participation in the Federation’s championships has had a significant impact on their behaviour, strengthening their sense of discipline and awareness both on and off the mat.

The final day of this round is scheduled for Sunday, May 4. It will feature competitions in the under-12 categories with widespread participation anticipated from clubs and academies across the nation.

With inputs from WAM