UAE Announces Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship With AED 1.5M Prize Pool

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) has announced the launch of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, aimed at promoting sporting excellence and strengthening the UAE's global sports position. The 2024 season will feature five rounds in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah, covering categories from kids to masters (ages 4-30+).

The championship offers a prize pool exceeding AED1.5 million, recognising participants' commitment and hard work across various age groups. This initiative aims to foster dedication to physical fitness and nurture a new generation of champions empowered to achieve globally.

The UAEJJF unveiled the championship at a press conference at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Key attendees included Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAEJJF; Aref Hamad Al Awani, Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC); Mansour Al Ketbi, Deputy Chief Corporate and Human Capital Officer at Mubadala Investment Company; Bushra Abdullah Al Shehhi, Chief Human Resources Officer at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Chairman of Kawader; and Dr. Abdulraheem Ibrahim Al Nuaimi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Abu Dhabi Media Network.

Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi expressed gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their commitment to enhancing the national sports landscape. He highlighted that the championship marks another milestone in the UAE's history of organising local, regional, and international sporting events.

Alhashmi stated, "The championship aims to promote jiu-jitsu culture in the community, instilling its noble values among youth, providing a competitive environment that supports sport development, and nurturing promising talents capable of continuing the national legacy of sports achievements."

ADSC Secretary-General Al Awani added, "We are thrilled to announce a new championship to add to the lineup of local and international jiu-jitsu events. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council is proud to support this journey, believing in the UAEJJF’s capability to make this tournament a success."

The competitions will include three rounds for the Gi (suits) category and two for no-Gi (non-suits) category. Clubs and athletes will compete for medals, cash prizes, and ultimately the championship title in December. A comprehensive ranking system based on competitors’ performance and club results ensures fair competition and equal recognition.

The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship promises widespread participation from various societal segments, with significant fan attendance expected. The event will involve many families who believe in jiu-jitsu's role in building young peoples’ character by instilling values such as sportsmanship, self-confidence, tolerance, and respect.

This integrated sports event combines a professional sports environment with a unique atmosphere of culture and entertainment.

With inputs from WAM