Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Hosts UAE got off to a colourful start with four medals at the fifth IMMAF Youth World Championships, being 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. Local athletes secured two medals of golden and bronze hues at the Mubadala Arena on Tuesday.
The five-day event, organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, will run until August 10, featuring over 800 athletes from more than 45 countries competing for glory.
The opening day was allocated for the Youth C (12-13 years) division, culminating in a coronation ceremony for the winners. For the UAE, Sara Al Zarooni (40 kilogrammes category) and Rakan Al Yammahi (34 kg) both earned gold medals, while Noof Al Mutwa and Saoud Al Blooshi secured bronze 40kg and 31kg divisions, respectively.
Ahead of the tournament start, the organisers told Aletihad their target aim is to go beyond the 12 medals, including four golds, won by the UAE at the previous staging.
“I’m dedicating this medal to the wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation," said the young Al Zarooni. "Their support in hosting major tournaments has given Emirati athletes many chances to compete and gain experience. This win is not just for me, but for everyone who has supported me, including my coaches, teammates, and family. I’m grateful for their help and proud to represent my country.”
American Nixie Garcia, who won gold in the 52kg category, said: “It feels so amazing to win a gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships. I am so proud of myself. It just feels great to be the champion. My preparations for the event have been great – eating healthier, training hard, and sweating a lot. All these efforts have paid off now.”
Her father and coach Christian Garcia, added: “It’s been a long day, but also exciting. The team has been doing great, especially my daughter. I’m really proud of her. She did an amazing job and has shown dominance. I can’t wait to see her future; I will be in her corner.
The environment at the arena was fantastic. The UAE Federation has done a great job. I would be happy to return many times."
Tuesday’s competitions were attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club; Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Board Member at the federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee; Fahad Al Kayoumi, Undersecretary of the Government Empowerment Department; Rashed Al Blooshi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED); Rashed Al Mansoori, Director General of the General Administration of Customs; Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General for the General Authority of Sports; Dr. Shaikha Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAEJJMMAF and other federation officials among others.