Khaled Al Shehhi Secures Gold For UAE At Jiu-Jitsu World Championship In Thailand

UAE athlete Khaled Al Shehhi secured the gold medal in the men's 62kg category at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Bangkok. This victory adds to the UAE's growing list of international jiu-jitsu achievements. The national team's medal tally now stands at seven, comprising four golds, one silver, and two bronze medals across both men's and women's divisions.

The championship's official opening ceremony was a grand affair. Senior Thai government officials, JJIF representatives, and global delegations attended. The event featured a parade of 60 national teams with over 4,000 athletes competing in various categories, including Under-18, Under-21, Under-14, and Under-16. The competition will continue until November 15 at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium.

The UAE is represented by a large delegation of 110 athletes across different divisions. They are supported by a comprehensive team of technical, administrative, and medical staff. This participation aligns with the Federation’s strategy to enhance athletes' international experience across all age groups.

Al Shehhi's victory followed an impressive performance throughout his matches. He demonstrated exceptional technical and physical skills, reflecting the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. His success highlights the high level of preparation provided by the country's leadership and federation.

Khaled Al Shehhi expressed his happiness at winning the world title and dedicated his achievement to the UAE’s leadership for their unwavering support. "The challenge was tough and the competition was strong, but confidence, preparation, and the backing from the Federation and coaching staff were key to this victory," he said.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri praised the dedication of UAE athletes on the global stage. "We are proud of their performance, fighting spirit, and professionalism," he stated. "We are confident that the rest of the delegation will continue this momentum and add more medals to the country’s tally in the coming days."

Upcoming Competitions

The men's competition concludes tomorrow with UAE athletes competing in the 85kg and 94kg divisions. They aim to increase their medal count and solidify their position at the top of the standings.

Al Shehhi overcame top-ranked competitors to claim gold, earning admiration from spectators and fellow athletes for his remarkable performance. His triumph underscores both his personal skill and dedication as well as broader advancements in UAE jiu-jitsu.

The day also saw attendance from notable figures such as Obaid Saeed Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Thailand; Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, JJIF President; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri; Vice Chairman of UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi; Secretary-General of UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations; along with other officials.

With inputs from WAM