UAE Bags 9 Medals On Opening Day Of Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship

The Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship commenced with significant enthusiasm at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, marking a pivotal moment for young athletes. The event, unfolding from May 3-8 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince Abu Dhabi and Chairman the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has for the first included youth competitions as part of the broader eighth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship.

On the opening day, the UAE showcased its prowess in jiu-jitsu, the sole discipline it participated in, clinching nine medals. This haul included two gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, contributing to an impressive start for the host nation. The achievements of Najla Hashem and Haneen Alkhoori, who both secured gold in their respective categories, highlighted the UAE's dominance on the mats.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, lauded the youth national team's technical skills and performance. He attributed their success to the continuous support from the UAE's leadership and the diligent work of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. Al Shamsi emphasized Abu Dhabi's role as a key sports development hub and a favored destination for top athletes.

Ibrahim Alhosani, Coach of the UAE National Youth Team, articulated his pride in the team's performance, attributing their success to comprehensive training and the support of the coaching staff. The athletes' mental and physical preparedness, he remarked, was crucial in their ability to execute techniques with precision.

Gold medalists Najla Hashem and Haneen Alkhoori shared their excitement and gratitude for the support they received, underscoring the importance of preparation and technique in their victories. Aydana Ashirbekova of Uzbekistan and Tariq Ali, Secretary-General of the Pakistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation, also expressed their delight and appreciation for the championship's organization, highlighting the progress of the sport in Asia.

Pakistan's notable performance, with two bronze medals in the adult divisions and anticipation for further success in the youth category, was underscored by Ali. He mentioned the collaboration with the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to enhance the sport's development in Pakistan, including initiatives to introduce more coaches and educational programs.

The Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship symbolizes not only the competitive spirit of the athletes but also the collective efforts of nations to foster the sport's growth across the continent. With the successful inclusion of youth competitions, the championship sets a new benchmark for future events, showcasing the burgeoning talent and the expanding jiu-jitsu community in Asia.