Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) - The Commando Group club of amateur athletes proved supreme at the 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the halfway stage of the competition.
At the end of the fifth day, A.F.N.T followed in closely in the division to take the second spot, and Sharjah Self Defence Sports Club came in a commendable third. Sunday’s competitions, which took place at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, featured intense competitions in the Amateur category.
These included white and blue belts, men and women athletes representing clubs and academies from around the world.
The competitors left the audience impressed with their technical prowess and unwavering determination. Abdulmunem Alsayedmohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation led the host of dignitaries present as the tournament gears up for its business end.
His deputy and the UAEJJF Vice Chairman, Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, said: “Dedicating an entire day to amateur competitions strengthens the tournament’s standing as an ideal global jiu-jitsu platform. While amateurs have participated in the championship before, we allocated a full day to them in response to the increasing demand. This change highlights the growing interest, promotes inclusivity … paves the way for aspiring amateurs to advance in their jiu-jitsu careers.
“The championship continues to unite people from various cultures and backgrounds, facilitating meaningful interactions between them.
“This mirrors the UAEJJF’s commitment to fostering positive communication through the medium of sports,” added Al Dhaheri. Maria Odintsova, who won the gold medal for the Kyrgyzstan Top Team in the Women’s Gi / Blue / Amateur / 49kg division, said: “I have participated in multiple international tournaments, but the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is unlike any other. “It’s the best in terms of professional organisation, international participation, and, of course, the amazing crowd.”
Stefan Lazarevic of Serbia who won gold for A.F.N.T in the Men’s Gi / Blue / Amateur / 120kg division, said:”It’s phenomenal to be crowned in Abu Dhabi. This championship is the gateway to a glorious career in jiu-jitsu. The UAE and Abu Dhabi have set exceptional standards in organising and hosting major jiu-jitsu tournaments.”
Elsewhere, Brazilian Gabriel Do Santos Nagera, who won gold for Alliance International in the Men’s Gi / Blue / Amateur / 62kg division said: “I am proud of this great achievement. Winning the gold medal in the 62 kg weight category is a significant milestone in my life. Now that I am a World Professional champion, I am very optimistic about future competitions.”
The championship gets more serious when it continues on Monday, with competitions in the Masters category (over 30 years) for those with blue, purple, brown, and black belts, and will run for two days. The jiu-jitsu season’s flagship tournament culminates on Friday.
