UAE Raises Medal Tally To 12 On Day Five Of IMMAF Youth World Championships In Al Ain

The IMMAF Youth World Championships saw the Youth A (16–17 years) category commence on Friday, showcasing its reputation as the most competitive division. The event, held at ADNEC Centre Al Ain, featured intense matches between top global athletes, thrilling an enthusiastic audience. The UAE increased its medal count to 12, comprising one gold, two silver, and nine bronze medals.

The championship is organised under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Abdullah Al Zaabi from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation expressed pride in the event's organisation and its positive impact on sports and community.

This year's championship has seen a rise in participating countries and athletes, earning international acclaim for its organisation. Hosting the event in Al Ain has boosted community involvement while highlighting the city's cultural and tourism appeal. This adds significant value to the overall experience of the championship.

Akef Mumtaz Siddiqui, whose son Ayan Akef won bronze for India in the Youth A (56 kg) category, shared his joy: "I’m glad my son won a medal today. It’s a great moment for us, and we’ve really enjoyed being here in Al Ain. The venue is excellent, the organisation has been great, and everything feels truly professional and international. I’m happy we came and that my son could make it to the podium. We were aiming for gold, inshallah next time."

The Youth A competition continues into Saturday with national teams striving to improve their standings before Sunday's conclusion. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Tajikistan are among those leading on the medal table. The strong support from UAE leadership plays a crucial role in maintaining its status as a key player in mixed martial arts globally.

Al Zaabi highlighted that starting the Youth A category is vital as it aligns athletes' ambitions with their advanced skills. He noted that hosting this sixth edition in Al Ain reflects a commitment to growing the sport and engaging more people.

The championship runs until July 27 in Al Ain, underscoring its significance under esteemed patronage. The event not only showcases athletic prowess but also strengthens community ties through sportsmanship.

With inputs from WAM