UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team Competes In Greece For Fifth Consecutive World Championship Title

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team, backed by Mubadala Investment Company, has landed in Greece for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship. Their aim is to clinch their fifth consecutive title. The event, organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), will take place in Heraklion from 24th to 26th October.

Having already competed internationally this season, the team has shown strong performances at events like the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi and the Grand Prix Thailand Open 2024 in Bangkok. They also participated in the JJAU Regional Championship West Asia held in Jordan.

Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a UAEJJF Board Member and National Team Administrator, expressed confidence in the team's readiness. "We believe our champions are fully prepared to reclaim the title. After several weeks in an intense internal training camp, their technical, tactical, and mental preparation is at its peak, ready to compete with the world’s elite," he said.

Al Dhaheri highlighted that the team’s primary goal is to defend their title for a fifth year. He noted their high confidence levels and rigorous training as key factors that bolster their chances of success. "The team, sponsored by Mubadala, heads into the competition with one goal – to defend the title for the fifth consecutive year. Given their great level of confidence and the intense training they have undergone, we have all faith in their skills will perform well and bring the championship title back home."

National Team Head Coach Ramon Lemos shared his optimism about their prospects. "We’ve built a team with great skills, mental toughness, and physical conditioning required to excel at the World Championship. Our roster features a perfect balance of youth and experience, all committed to delivering an exceptional performance."

Lemos also stressed on team cohesion developed during recent training camps. "In the coming days, we’ll continue to focus on refining the players’ synergy, ensuring they are in perfect sync for competition." This focus on teamwork aims to enhance their performance on an international stage.

Team Composition and Upcoming Youth Participation

The men's team includes Omar Al Suwaidi and Zayed Alkatheeri (56 kg), Khaled Al Balushi and Khaled Al Shehhi (62 kg), Mohammed Al Suwaidi and Sultan Hassan (69 kg), Mahdi Al Awlaqi and Sultan Al Hosni (77 kg), along with Saeed Al Kubaisi (85 kg).

In women's categories, competitors include Balqees Abdul Karim and Aysha Al Shamsi (45 kg), Maitha Shraim and Hamda Alshkeili (48 kg), Hessa Al Shamsi and Asma Al Hosani (52 kg), Shamsa Al Ameri and Alanood Alhosani (57 kg), Shamma Al Kalbani (63 kg), as well as Muhrah Mahfoudh (70 kg).

The UAE youth teams are also preparing for participation from 28th October to 4th November. They will compete across under-14, under-16, under-18, and under-21 categories within this championship.

This championship presents another opportunity for UAE athletes to showcase their talents on a global platform while aiming for continued success.

With inputs from WAM