Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad) - The milestone 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship came to a glittering end at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City with local athletes – Zayed Al Katheeri and Khaled Al Shehhi adding two silvers to the final tally on Friday.
Held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the podium finishes meant the UAE finished eight medals in the professional division alone, including two gold, four silver, and two bronze.
The 10-day showpiece event of the jiu-jitsu calendar concluded with prizes given out on the final day by Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon Bin Mohammed Al-Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court. Also watching the climax were Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassimi and others.
The professional division competitions that brought together male participants with black belts and female participants with brown/black belts, creating a truly global spectacle at the World Jiu-Jitsu Capital.
The event featured 12 matches showcasing 24 athletes hailing from eight countries: Brazil, the US, UAE, UK, Portugal, Bulgaria, Russia, and the Philippines. The men’s black belt weight divisions saw fourteen athletes in action, while the brown/black belt weight divisions for women witnessed participation from 10 athletes.
The day’s action kicked off with a compelling match as Zayed Al Khateeri from the UAE competed with Brazilian Yuri Hendrex in the men’s black 56-kilogramme final. Hendrex secured victory with a 3-1 score.
“I am very pleased with this achievement. While my goal was to defend the title as the champion of this category, the nature of this sport involves both winning and losing. I am content with the performance I delivered against one of the most formidable opponents in the sport,” said Al Katheeri.
Meanwhile, Khaled Al Shehhi competed against Meyram Alves from Brazil in the men’s black belt 62kg final, securing his first ADWPJJC black belt medal on his debut in the division with a silver. He said: “I am happy with this wonderful experience, as it is the first time I have qualified for the final of the black belt in the tournament, and I feel proud to have stood at the podium with the UAE flag. There is no doubt that it is a historic moment. I will start preparing from now for the next edition of the tournament, drawing lessons from this competition.”
Mayssa Bastos claimed gold in the women’s brown/black belt 49kg final while Anna Rodrigues (55kg), Julia Alves (62kg) and Pedro Ramalho (77kg) won their respective finals. Bruno Lima of Portugal and Ingridd Alves added gold in the brown/black belt 85 and 70kg categories respectively among the men. Other winners were Raimundo Sodre (69kg), Gabrieli Pessanha (95kg), Felipe Andrew (94kg) and Felipe Bezerra (120kg).
Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed gratitude to the patrons while appreciating Emirati clubs and families for their belief in the sport and unwavering support for their children.
“Abu Dhabi, known as the World Jiu-Jitsu Capital, has successfully created a story of success that has captured global attention,” Al Hashmi said.
