Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The inaugural Union Wrestling Cup kicked off in grandeur at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena on Wednesday. The first-of-its-kind event featured intense competition in two categories: Motaraha – an Emirati traditional wrestling style – and freestyle wrestling.
The two-day event is organised by the UAE Wrestling Federation and held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The opening ceremony at the Arena was graced by esteemed personalities, including His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the UAE Wrestling Federation; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; and H.E Abdulmunem Alsayedmohamed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. UFC fighters Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev were also in attendance as guests.
On Day 1, Fujairah Martial Arts Club topped the medal rankings, ahead of Sharjah Self Defence, and Khorfakkan Club. The tournament has attracted 272 athletes from six different clubs competing across categories. The Motaraha competitions attracted 52 players, in the under75 kilogrammes, under 85kg, and the open weight (over 85kg) categories.
According to the UAE Wrestling Federation member Talal Al Hashemi: “Motaraha is strongly linked to the Emirati heritage and was officially recognised by the United World Wrestling as one of the types of heritage wrestling.
“Today’s competitions witnessed good participation and received remarkable attendance from the public, especially school students who came to attend the fights and explore the fight closely.”
Ali Muhammad Al-Najjar, competing in the 83kg weight category, won four bouts on his way to earning the gold.
The Motaraha bouts saw Ibrahim Al Shamsi winning first place in the under 75kg category, followed by Abdullah Mohammed Al Asiri in second place, while Hamad Jaafar Al Jallaf came third.
In the under-85kg weight category, Hazza Jaafar Al Jallaf took first place, followed by Matar Muhammad Al Nuaimi and Mansour Al Buraiki in second and third places, respectively.
Makhachev was seen interacting with fans and participants at the Arena. He said: “Happy to be here in Abu Dhabi for the first wrestling event. In my opinion, this event is for the younger generations and kids.
“In our country, Dagestan, Khabib, and I, everyone begins with wrestling. The sport of wrestling will make your body strong and prepare you for any other sport. If you start with wrestling, in my opinion, you can excel in any sport. I wish the very best for the kids.”
