Abu Dhabi Hosts First Round Of Khaled Bin Mohammed Jiu-Jitsu Championship

The Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship began with great enthusiasm at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The event saw top athletes from local clubs and academies competing fiercely, making it a notable addition to the local sports calendar.

On the first day, competitions were held across U18, adults, and masters categories. A total of 700 male and female athletes from various regions showcased their impressive skills. As Friday's events concluded, M.O.D UAE led the standings, followed by Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in second and third places.

The championship employs a comprehensive ranking system to recognise athletes and clubs based on their performance throughout all rounds. This system encourages clubs to invest in talent and register as many athletes as possible across all categories to gain more points and ensure strong competition for the title.

Friday’s competitions were attended by several notable figures including Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General of Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi; Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mohamed Humaid bin Dalmuj Al Dhaheri; Youssef Abdullah Al-Batran; Mansour Al Dhaheri, Board members of the Federation; and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAEJJF.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri highlighted that this championship is crucial for promoting jiu-jitsu both locally and internationally. "The Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship underscores the Federation’s commitment to achieving excellence at all levels, supported by our wise leadership’s limitless support for sports, and particularly jiu-jitsu."

He added that witnessing athletes' passion and resilience is inspiring. "Today, we witnessed the passion, determination, and resilience of our athletes, which are the core values of jiu-jitsu. This championship marks a further step in their journey towards achieving their full potential and signifies our efforts to build a healthy, active society through sports, leaving a legacy for future generations."

Athletes' Achievements

Omar Alfadhli from Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy won gold in the Men Adults -69kg category. He expressed his excitement: "Each of my competitions was tough, facing skilled opponents both technically and physically. Winning the gold medal today is a huge honour for me. I’m really excited about this achievement."

Dana Ali Albreiki from Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured gold in the Youth Women’s / 40kg category. She shared her experience: "It’s not just about winning; competing against experienced athletes and facing new challenges was amazing. My passion for jiu-jitsu keeps pushing me forward."

Coaches' Perspectives

Igor Lacerda from Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club praised the competitiveness: "This championship has showcased high competitiveness among athletes today. We’ve enjoyed outstanding performances from all clubs and academies and are pleased with our team’s performance. Today’s competitions mark the start of our journey through this championship, aiming to accumulate maximum points across its five rounds and compete for its trophy."

Ariadne Oliveira from Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club emphasised skill development: "This championship plays a crucial role in developing the players' skills by allowing them to participate in its various rounds in a competitive atmosphere. The championship attracts elite athletes, making it a true test of their skills and an unparalleled opportunity for development, resulting in enthusiastic competitions throughout the year."

Andre Luiz De Almeida from Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club also celebrated his victory in the Masters -85kg category: "I’m thrilled with this victory and the gold medal that helps our club move forward in the championship. I’m grateful to the technical and administrative staff, coaches, and teammates whose support was invaluable during these competitions."

The Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to be an essential platform for nurturing talent while promoting jiu-jitsu within UAE's sporting community.

With inputs from WAM