Young Athletes Impress On Opening Day Of UAE National MMA Championship 5 In Al Ain

The UAE National MMA Championship 5 commenced at the UAE University's indoor hall in Al Ain. Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, this two-day event features 300 athletes from various clubs and academies across the nation. The opening day saw intense competition among young athletes in the Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), and Youth B (14–15 years) categories.

Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the Federation, highlighted the championship's significance. "The UAE National MMA Championship 5 reflects the significant progress of mixed martial arts in the UAE, driven by the continued support of the country’s wise leadership and the sustained efforts of the Federation. The strong turnout of athletes in younger age categories highlights the success of the Federation’s strategy to build a solid base of talent capable of representing the UAE at regional and international levels in the future."

Al Dhaheri also emphasised that hosting such events instils discipline, commitment, and sportsmanship among participants. He noted that focusing on age-group categories is a strategic investment for national sports development. The championship provides a professional environment that enhances both technical and physical skills.

The event has seen active participation from clubs, academies, and spectators alike. This engagement reflects an increasing community awareness about combat sports' benefits for promoting healthy lifestyles and character building. The Federation is dedicated to improving organisational and technical standards to align with international best practices.

Rahmathullah Lutfulloev, a coach at ADMA Academy, shared his thoughts on their preparation. "The athletes have been preparing for this competition for a long time. Many of them reached the finals today and we won several prizes. Our aim is to secure first place, which is why we are here. This championship is very important as it provides athletes with a professional environment to develop their skills and prepare for future competitions."

Gisele Bouckhorny expressed her joy over her son's achievement in winning first place in his category. "I am very happy with this achievement. He trained hard throughout the year and has competed in every edition of the championship since it began. I know how much effort and time he has dedicated to this. He usually finished second or third, and this is the first time he has won first place."

Upcoming Competitions

The championship will conclude tomorrow with competitions for Youth A (16–17 years) and Adults (18 years and above). These final rounds promise to showcase more talent as athletes compete for top honours.

With inputs from WAM