Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club Takes Early Lead At Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Championship

Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club took an early lead on the first day of the fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The event, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, was held at Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena. Local clubs competed fiercely across youth, adult, and master divisions. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured second place, with M.O.D UAE finishing third.

Several dignitaries attended the event, including Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, both Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Other notable attendees were Khalfan Abdulla Al Mansoori from the Abu Dhabi Hazardous Materials Management Centre and Jasem Al Marzooqi, CEO of AMMROC. Angelo Vincenzo Carlino from AgustaWestland Aviation Services also attended alongside representatives from sponsors and partners.

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran praised H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's directive to double the championship’s prize money. He stated this move highlights the UAE leadership’s dedication to advancing top-level sports, particularly jiu-jitsu, which has become a national sport in the country. "The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is especially important," he added.

Jasem Al Marzooqi expressed that the championship's strong organisation and professionalism reflect the leadership’s ambition to establish the UAE as a premier global sports destination. "The championship is progressing with every round," he noted. The technical and organisational levels demonstrate how successful the overall system is, providing athletes with an ideal environment for growth and excellence.

Bouchaib Elidrissi from Morocco won gold in the Men’s Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division for Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club. He remarked on his achievement: "This achievement means a lot to me, especially since I faced an opponent in the final who was 20 years younger." He thanked the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their efforts in creating a competitive environment that matches athletes' ambitions.

Igor Lacerda, coach of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club youth team, highlighted their focus on mental and tactical preparations. "This round once again confirms the incredible progress," he said. Coaches are motivated by these developments to make optimal use of athletes’ capabilities. Their goal remains clear: to compete strongly for the title through consistent performance and discipline.

The fourth round serves as a pivotal moment in evaluating club performances and athlete readiness for future stages. This championship provides a unique platform for athletes of all ages to showcase their talent and pursue their goals.

With inputs from WAM