Al Ain Secures Top Spot In Khaled Bin Mohamed Jiu-Jitsu Championship Opener

The first round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded on Sunday at Mubadala Arena. The event spanned three days, filled with excitement, intense competition, and a significant turnout of families and fans. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club secured the top position in the medal tally, followed by Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club.

Competitions were held across various categories, starting with U18, adult, and masters on Friday. The following day featured kids’ categories and girls’ U12, U14, and U16 divisions. Sunday saw fierce contests in boys’ U12, U14, and U16 categories. Competitors showcased remarkable strength and technique as they vied for gold medals and points in this five-round championship.

Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director General of the General Authority of Sports; Jean-Claude Van Damme, Belgian martial artist and actor; Mohamed Humaid bin Dalmuj Al Dhaheri and Youssef Al Batran, Board members of the Federation; Fahd Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Federation; along with representatives of partners, sponsors, and participating clubs attended the third day’s competitions.

Abdulmunem Alhashmi expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their unwavering support for sports in the UAE. He emphasised that this support is pivotal to all achievements in jiu-jitsu within the country. This backing has been crucial in promoting the sport's growth and establishing Abu Dhabi as a global hub for jiu-jitsu.

Alhashmi remarked on the successful organisation and broad participation from local clubs and academies in this first round. He noted that large crowds at the event highlight jiu-jitsu's growing popularity. "Throughout the championship, we have seen athletes compete fiercely with great skill and sportsmanship. This makes us optimistic about a bright future for jiu-jitsu," he added.

Community Engagement

Ghanim Al Hajeri highlighted that nearly 3,000 participants took part in this major local tournament alongside their families and supporters. He mentioned that with more rounds to come, the championship aims to reach every home in the country. This will elevate jiu-jitsu's popularity further and expand its practitioner base.

Jean-Claude Van Damme shared his joy at being part of this inaugural event. "I’m glad to be here at this special sporting event," he said. He praised how children and young people competed with strong family support. "Watching these talented athletes compete with discipline reminds me of what martial arts truly represent – not just as a sport but as a way of life," he added.

A Message to New Talents

Van Damme conveyed an encouraging message to new talents aspiring to pursue jiu-jitsu: "To all the new talent and fighters, keep on improving." He stressed that this sport should be extended globally from Abu Dhabi.

The first round was deemed highly successful due to its excellent organisation, large audience turnout, and strong community involvement. The second round is scheduled for July 14 at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, featuring competitions in the No Gi division.

With inputs from WAM