UAE Clinches 12 Medals At IMMAF Youth World Championships In Abu Dhabi

The UAE team concluded the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi with a total of 12 medals, including four golds, one silver, and seven bronzes. Zamzam Al Hammadi, a prominent figure in UAE mixed martial arts, successfully defended her gold medal on Saturday. She triumphed over Xerena Sikes from the USA in the Youth A 52.2 kg division with a unanimous decision.

Al Hammadi's path to the finals was marked by decisive victories. She first defeated Palestine’s Taghrid Akkawi with an armbar submission in just 1 minute and 32 seconds. Following this, she faced Italy’s Elena Indelicato and won by unanimous decision. In the semi-finals, she continued her winning streak by overcoming Poland’s Sara Dembińska, also by unanimous decision.

With her latest victory, Al Hammadi secured her second consecutive gold medal, solidifying her reputation on the global stage. The Mubadala Arena erupted in cheers as the referee declared her the winner. Among the spectators was her sister, Ghala Al Hammadi, who had also defended her gold medal earlier in the week.

The championship concluded on Saturday evening with Ukraine securing the top spot for the fourth year in a row. Tajikistan and Uzbekistan finished in second and third places respectively. Thani Almehairi (Youth A / 65.8 kg) and Saeed Alnuaimi (Men / Youth A / 56.7 kg) earned bronze medals for the UAE.

The final day saw attendance from notable figures such as Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri; Wissam Abi Nader; Densign White; and representatives from various countries' delegations were also present.

Statements from Officials

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed pride in hosting world-class championships in Abu Dhabi. He said, "The widespread praise we have received from various quarters confirms our success in making a significant impact on this sport by hosting world-class championships in Abu Dhabi." He added that Abu Dhabi has added another chapter to its record of hosting major international sporting events.

Al Dhaheri also highlighted the national team's achievement of 12 medals and praised the efforts of all involved parties. "We are particularly delighted with our national team’s achievement of 12 medals," he said. "These achievements are the result of tremendous efforts made by all involved parties."

Praise for Athletes

Kerrith Brown commended the event's success and the technical skills displayed by young athletes. "The IMMAF Youth World Championships 2024 have been an amazing event," he said. "Seeing the next generation of athletes exhibiting such technical skills is fantastic." He praised the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation for organising a spectacular event.

Tolly Plested, coach of the UAE MMA team, expressed pride in his team's performance against top MMA athletes worldwide. "We’re proud of our national team," he said. "They showed impressive skill and flexibility during some tough matches." He emphasised their commitment to improving through intensive training for future successes.

Athlete Reflections

After her win, Zamzam Al Hammadi shared her joy: "Words can’t explain how happy I am today." She dedicated her victory to UAE's leadership and acknowledged that it was tougher than expected, especially in the finals where she aimed for a submission win.

The IMMAF Youth World Championships showcased emerging talent from around the globe while highlighting UAE's growing prominence in mixed martial arts through successful events and athlete performances.

With inputs from WAM