UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team Dominates World Championship With Ten Medals

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team is excelling at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Bangkok, securing three more medals on Wednesday. This achievement strengthens their lead in the overall standings. The team has now collected a total of 10 medals over four days, comprising six golds, two silvers, and two bronzes in both men's and women's categories.

Saeed Al Kubaisi triumphed in the 85kg category, winning all his matches by submission against international competitors. Abdullah Al Kubaisi also claimed gold in the 94kg division, successfully defending his world title for the second consecutive year. In an all-Emirati final, Amaar Al Hosani secured silver, highlighting UAE's growing dominance on the global stage.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, expressed pride in the team's progress. "Defeating some of the best athletes in the world shows how much progress we have made as a team and as a nation. It is the result of hard work, planning and constant support from the Federation and our leadership. Getting to the top is tough, but staying there is even tougher, and our athletes are proving they can do it," he said.

The event was attended by notable figures including Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of Technical Department; and Abdullah Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Communications. World champion Faisal Al Ketbi also supported the athletes.

Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali commended the athletes for their dedication. "This championship is very demanding, and every match requires total concentration. Our athletes showed great discipline and commitment, and their results speak for themselves."

Teamwork and Preparation

Head Coach Helder Medeiros attributed their success to teamwork and preparation. "Finishing first in a tournament with more than 60 countries is an incredible achievement. It is the outcome of strong planning, consistent effort and unity across the entire team," he said.

Saeed Al Kubaisi shared his experience: "I had four tough matches against skilled opponents and managed to win them all by submission. I am proud to bring home another gold for the UAE and grateful to the Federation and my coaches for their trust and support."

Athletes' Reflections

Abdullah Al Kubaisi expressed pride in retaining his title: "Reaching the final again, especially against my teammate Amaar, shows how far UAE jiu-jitsu has come. Raising our flag on the podium is always an honour, and it motivates me to keep pushing for more." Silver medallist Amaar Al Hosani added that representing his country was a privilege: "The real winner today is the UAE. I am proud to represent my country and will give everything in the Under-21 division to bring back another gold."

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team continues to shine with impressive performances in Bangkok. Their strong team spirit reinforces their position as a global leader in jiu-jitsu.

With inputs from WAM