Emirati Athletes Shine At Jiu-Jitsu Championship, Secure 19 More Medals

Emirati athletes showcased their prowess on the second day of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship, securing five gold medals and significantly contributing to the UAE's total medal count, which now stands at 28. The competition, which unfolded on Tuesday in the under-18 division, saw the host nation's athletes shine, bagging an impressive 5 gold, 2 silver, and 12 bronze medals.

The championship, hosting athletes under 16, 18, and 21 years old, is a highlight of the eighth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship. The event is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and is taking place at Mubadala Arena from May 3-8.

The day's competitions witnessed emerging talents from across the continent displaying their skills in categories including Duo-Classic, Show, Jiu-Jitsu, and Jiu-Jitsu Fighting. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team excelled in the jiu-jitsu discipline, scoring notable victories.

Among the standout athletes were Salem Alqubaisi (-56 Kg), Alanood Alharbi (-44kg), Abdulla Ahmed Aldarmaki (+85kg), and Zamzam Al-Hammadi (-57 kg), who all clinched gold medals. Silver medals were won by Shamsa Alameri (-48kg) and Khuloud Alblooshi (+70kg), while a dozen athletes including Haira Aldaheri (-40kg) and Maitha Almezaini (-48kg) took home bronze.

His Excellency Youssef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the youth national team's performance, highlighting the athletes' technical proficiency and the federation's commitment to nurturing talent.

Azizbek Tokhirov, coach of the Uzbek national jiu-jitsu team, also expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, noting their total of 25 medals in the youth competitions and outlining ambitious plans for the future.

The championship provided moments of pride and anticipation for parents and athletes alike. Khalifa Salem Andeez, a parent, shared his encouragement for his son, while gold medalist Dana Albraiki and Salem Alqubaisi spoke about their focus, determination, and gratitude towards their support teams.

Adding to the international flavor of the event, Pakistani athletes Yaseen Umer and Ali Muhammad Yousaf won a historic gold medal in the U18 Jiu-Jitsu Duo Men category. Umer expressed pride in representing Pakistan and outlined their aspirations for future championships.

The Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship continues to be a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills, compete at a high level, and set their sights on further achievements in the world of jiu-jitsu.