Saif Alblooshi Clinches UAE's First Gold Medal At IMMAF Youth World Championships In Al Ain

Saif Alblooshi of the UAE achieved a significant victory by securing the host nation's first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain. Competing in the men's Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final, Alblooshi defeated Tajikistan's Azizullo Mirzoev. His performance was technically superior and well-received by local supporters.

Alblooshi's recent triumph marks his second consecutive gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having previously won in 2023 in the same weight category. This achievement adds to the UAE's growing success in the competition, with Ghala Al Hammadi also contributing by winning a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg division.

The UAE's medal count now totals 11, comprising one gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals. The championship's third day saw the commencement of the Youth B category at Al Ain's ADNEC Centre. The competition will continue on Thursday, featuring athletes of similar skill levels across various weight classes.

This year's event is hosted for the first time in Al Ain and will run until July 27. Several dignitaries attended, including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and UAE Esports Federation. Other notable attendees included Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, and Rashed Musabah Al Manei, Director General of Al Ain City Municipality.

Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, was present alongside Yousef Abdullah Al Batran from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri from Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain and Wissam Abi Nader from the International Federation were also among those attending.

Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani from the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation remarked on the progress seen daily in athletes' technical skills and tactical discipline. He stated: "We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage."

The championship is gaining momentum with strong spectator presence and family support enhancing its community aspect. This reflects a promising future for youth athletes globally as they showcase their talents on such an international stage.

With inputs from WAM