Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023 Opens With Strong Competitor Turnout

The Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship, part of the larger seventeenth Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, began on Tuesday. Athletes from top academies worldwide gathered to compete. The event attracted numerous local and international participants over 30 years old, competing in purple, brown, and black belt categories. Their performances highlighted their extensive experience in the sport.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the athletes' strong performances. He noted that the diverse participation underscores Abu Dhabi's status as a premier destination for jiu-jitsu events. "The competitions today show the technical and mental strength of athletes in this division," he said.

The championship is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. His leadership aims to make sports integral to life in Abu Dhabi, creating an environment that supports athletes at all stages. The event exemplifies this vision by attracting skilled competitors globally.

Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri, CEO of Daman, commended the organisation of the event. He stated that it reflects professionalism and meets global standards. "Jiu-jitsu embodies values we promote at Daman," he said, highlighting health improvement and active lifestyles.

The Masters category showcased how sport positively affects physical and mental wellbeing. Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri emphasised that these competitions illustrate sport's role in building healthier communities. The performances demonstrated that sport is a lifelong pursuit with significant benefits.

Emirati athlete Salem Al Asmar won gold in the Masters 62kg division. He stressed that success requires more than strength; it involves studying opponents and managing tactics. "Winning gold shows how important consistent training is," he remarked.

Continued Competitions

The championship will continue tomorrow with more Masters competitions across all belt divisions. Another day filled with experienced athletes promises intense action and skillful displays on the mats.

Attendees included Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, UAEJJF Board Member; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations; Khaled Ateeq Aldhaheri from Daman; and Yousef Altheeb Alketbi from NRC.

This championship provides a platform for masters athletes to test themselves against seasoned competitors with varied styles. Competing under his academy reflects Salem Al Asmar's commitment to advancing his sporting career through this global event.

With inputs from WAM