Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (WAM)
The UAE National Team extended its winning streak on the third day of the ongoing IMMAF Youth World Championships at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, securing three medals on Thursday.
Saif Alblooshi claimed silver in the 40 kg category, while Ali Mohamed Alnajar (40 kg) and Aisha Alhammadi (62 kg) won bronze.
Thursday was dedicated to the Youth B (14-15 years) division. The team’s current medal tally now stands at nine, including three golds, one silver, and five bronzes.
The IMMAF Youth World Championships, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, will run until August 10.
Thursday’s competitions were attended by Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee; Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director-General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi; Dr. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training; and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, among other representatives of participating countries’ delegations.
Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the athletes for their impressive performance on Thursday.
He stressed on the Federation’s strategies and plans, particularly the focus on developing young talents to shape the future of mixed martial arts in the country.
“We did everything in our power to organise this championship according to the highest international standards and to provide the athletes with the opportunity to showcase their abilities and skills. The strong competition and exceptional skills we have witnessed since the start of the championship reflect the skills of these athletes from different age groups and categories, as well as their commitment to training to reach this distinguished level. This showcases the bright future of mixed martial arts.”
“The Federation will continue its efforts to promote this sport and expand its reach both locally and globally, build a strong national team that will raise the UAE flag at regional and international events, an enhance Abu Dhabi’s position as the world capital of martial arts and the first destination for athletes aspiring to achieve excellence.”
Densign White, CEO of IMMAF, said, “The feedback I’ve received personally from coaches and athletes about the IMMAF Youth World Championships has been nothing but praise. I’ve received numerous thank-yous for how well the preparation, organisation, and overall execution have been. Abu Dhabi is known for its capability in organising championships at such an exceptional level. They have the resources to achieve great things. The championships continue to see a growing number of participants every year. The championships are great for the kids, and parents love it. It’s a really safe environment for them, so parents feel comfortable letting their children compete in MMA.”
On the sidelines of the championship, Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, and Mohammed Al Hosani, member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, received an award presented by Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF.
