Abu Dhabi (ALETIHAD)
The national jiu-jitsu team concluded an outstanding campaign at the third Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship and the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship, held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, from July 13 to 19, after winning 55 medals across the Under-16, U18, U21 and adult categories. The team finished with 20 gold, 15 silver and 20 bronze medals.
The highlight of UAE’s campaign came in the adults’ competition, where the team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, retained the Asian title after finishing top of the overall standings with 15 medals, including five gold, six silver and four bronze, reaffirming its dominance against the continent’s strongest teams.
Among the adults, the men secured nine medals – three gold, five silver and one bronze – while the women athletes garnered six medals, comprising two gold, one silver and three bronze.
At the third Youth Championship at the continental level, the U16 bunch opened UAE’s campaign with 15 medals, including three gold, five silver and seven bronze. The U18 team added 12 medals (4G, 2S, 6B) while the U21 team recorded the highest number of gold medals among all age categories with 13 medals (8G, 2S, 3B).
The team’s success across all four categories reflects the strength of the UAE’s athlete development pathway, said the national federation’s board member Yousuf Batran, which continues to prepare athletes of every age category and produce competitors capable of progressing to the senior national team and competing successfully at the highest level.
The Kazakhstan experience serves as a perfect dress rehearsal for the IMMAF Youth Championship and the World Championship to be held in Abu Dhabi next month.
Under-52kg gold medallist Saeed Al Qubaisi said the participation “taught me that small details make the biggest difference. I approached every contest calmly and benefited from the guidance of the coaching staff in choosing the right moments to attack. Winning this medal gives me greater confidence and motivates me to keep learning and improving.”
Saif Al Baloushi, who won the -48kg gold medal in U18 category, expressed happiness to chip in after the good start provided by the U16 boys.
“Our goal was to maintain the team’s momentum and add to its medal tally. Our team spirit helped us deal with the pressure of the championship, and every UAE medal gave the rest of us extra motivation before our contests.”
Aisha Al Jneibi, Under-63kg gold winner in the U21 category, said: “This stage requires greater independence in reading each contest and making decisions. This category brings us closer to the senior national team, so every competition is an important opportunity to develop as athletes.
"I leave this championship with a gold medal and valuable experience that will help me prepare for the next stage of my career.”
Khaled Al Shehhi, who won the Under 62kg gold medal in the adults’ competition, said: ‘Winning the adults’ title was the result of a collective effort. Every contest and every point played a part in determining our position in the overall standings.
"We approached the championship with that mindset, with every athlete focused on contributing to the team’s success from the very beginning. Winning the Asian title gives us great confidence and increases our responsibility ahead of the World Championship in Abu Dhabi.”
Asma Al Hosani called her gold medal achievement in the U52kg category as “even more special because it contributed to the UAE winning the overall championship title. The UAE women proved they can play a decisive role in the team’s success, and I hope these results inspire the next generation of female athletes to believe in their ambitions and their ability to reach the highest level.”