Today's Edition
Dubai (Aletihad)
Jiu-Jitsu athletes from MOD UAE helped the club top the medal standings as the AJP Tour Dubai International Championship wrapped up at Shabab Al Ahli Club on Sunday.
On the final day of the event, which featured both amateur and professional divisions, Commando Group secured second place, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took third.
Kastriot Mustafi of Swiss club Ruckus JJ won the gold medal in the professional 120-kilogramme category in his first appearance in Dubai. “It’s fantastic to have come to Dubai, competed in this championship, and secured the gold’ Mustafi said. “Winning today after several tough matches feels incredible. The organisation was excellent, and it was a great experience to compete against such skilled opponents. I’m looking forward to coming back and competing again.”
This year’s championship saw participation from 74 clubs and academies from around the world, up from 64 last year. On the final day alone, 310 male and female athletes competed as many athletes used this tournament and its associated 600 ranking points in preparation for the World Pro later this year.
Paulinho Baraúna, coach of Commando Group, said: “Our athletes have performed admirably. We always aim for first place, and our experienced coaching team plays a key role in that. Regular competition builds confidence and motivates the team. I am proud of our athletes who won medals today. As we prepare for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, these competitions help us identify areas for improvement. We’re progressing every day.”
The third day’s events were attended by a host of dignitaries, including Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Ali Omar Al Balushi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council among others.
Calling the event a “great success, Al Batran said: “It also provided an excellent platform for our young talents in the youth and kids categories to showcase their skills, in line with the Federation’s focus on developing the next generation of athletes.”
Al Batran highlighted how the championship sharpened the athletes’ skills by giving them the chance to compete against seasoned competitors, which is crucial for their preparation for future events.
He added: “The UAE athletes performed exceptionally well throughout the championship, earning several gold medals across various categories.”
There were winners from Abu Dhabi as well who had a happy outing on Sunday. “Winning gold today is a significant achievement,” said Hessa Al Shamsi, another aspirant of the World Pro on home turf and winner of the 55kg women’s gold. “This victory comes after intense training and is a great boost as I gear up for the challenges ahead,” the Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club player said.
Muhrah Mahfoudh of Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy, the women’s 62kg gold winner, said: “Competing against athletes who will also be in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has given me valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, which will be crucial for my preparation.”
