Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
UAE's Ghala Al Hammadi successfully defended her gold medal from last year at the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Wednesday, held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
In the finals, she outperformed Ireland's Emily Hannick, demonstrating impressive technical skills and strength, and secured victory by unanimous decision. At the end of the second day of the Championships, dedicated to the Youth B (14-15 years) division, the UAE has three gold medals now as well as three bronze medals, the third in the latter class coming through Maryam Al Mutwa who added the UAE's sixth medal on the board in the girls 52-kg division. It was the last fight on the day's schedule.
The IMMAF Youth World Championships 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, will run until August 10.
Competing in the junior 44-kilogramme category, Ghala had won the gold last year along with her elder sister Zamzam Al Hammadi, and had exuded confidence of an encore in the build-up despite a record participation of more than 800 athletes from 47 countries. Let them come and "we will know where we stand", she had told Aletihad.
On Wednesday, beaming with pride, she said: "I faced many tough opponents, which was a significant challenge. I had to adjust my strategies and utilise both offensive and defensive moves to win. This victory is thanks to the hard and collective work of my coaches and teammates.
"This achievement wouldn't have been possible without the support from our wise leadership and the federation, who provided all the elements needed for Emirati athletes to excel. I'm grateful to have done my country proud."
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, congratulated the day's stalwarts. "Our athletes delivered outstanding performances today, and we are confident they will continue to win medals in the coming days.
"The atmosphere at the arena is filled with enthusiasm and excitement, with a large audience representing diverse cultures, athletes fuelled by passion and determination to achieve victory, which makes the Championships a celebration of sporting excellence, cultural exchange, and the values of sportsmanship, respect, and tolerance.
"Abu Dhabi continues to solidify its status as a premier destination for hosting international sports events and attracting both emerging and professional athletes aiming for a distinguished sports career," he said.
Al Shamsi noted that the championships has seen an annual increase in participants, reflecting the rapid growth of mixed martial arts worldwide and affirming efforts at local and international levels to promote the sport's development.
Shokboz Abdukhakimov of Uzbekistan, who won gold in the boys' Youth B 44kg category, said: "It's amazing to be here in Abu Dhabi and to win gold. Competing on this stage and representing my country is a dream come true. The level of competition was incredibly high. There's a long way to go, and I am ready for it."
His national team coach Bek Isakov added: "We're proud of our team's performance so far, with three golds, one silver, and three bronze medals. Our athletes have worked hard, training intensively and refining their skills.
"The tournament is a great opportunity for young athletes to showcase their abilities and gain experience. We believe in our team and look forward to their continued success, demonstrating their sportsmanship, determination, and resilience."
