Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
The UAE’s Commando Group emerged victorious at the Abu Dhabi World Amateur Jiu-Jitsu Championship, part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Pro, at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi's Zayed Sports City.
Athletes aged 30 and above competed in the blue and white belt divisions, with Commando Group building on its previous day’s success and delivering an impressive performance. Brazil’s Checkmat International took second place, closely followed by the Kazakhstan National Academy in third.
“I’m proud of our team’s performance," said Commando Group coach Bruno Barreto. "We achieved strong results in the competitions, took second place as the best academy in the youth category, and led in the amateur events. I’m confident our athletes will continue to excel as we enter the masters and professional competitions. We’ve won the professional title twice before, and we aim for strong results again.
“This is my sixth time attending the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. I previously competed here and won gold in 2019. Now, I’m focused on sharing my experience with the new generation, helping them achieve strong results at various championships.”
This year’s amateur category competitions saw a significant increase in participation, elevating the technical level of competition as well as underscoring jiu-jitsu's positive physical, mental and social impact.
White belt-holder Mirsad Vilic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who won the men's Gi 94-kilogramme gold while representing Fight Sports – Ruckus JJ, said: “This is my first time competing here, and I’m thrilled to win gold. I started Jiu-Jitsu two and a half years ago and have competed in several European championships to build the skills needed for a championship of this level. The organisation was excellent, and the competition was tough. I look forward to coming back next year.”
Leonardo De Fazio of Italy clinched gold in the 56kg Gi class as part of the Jesters Jiu Jitsu team. “This is my second time in the championship. I competed last year but didn’t reach the podium. This year, I focused more on training and took part in other championships. My main goal was to make it to the podium, and I’m glad I achieved that.
“I noticed a big improvement in the championship from last year in both audience size and participation. This raised the level of competition and made this achievement even more meaningful. I’ll definitely be back next year.”
Several dignitaries attended the championship and awarded the winners, including Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF); Amal Abdul Qadir Al Afifi, Secretary General of the Khalifa Award for Education; Rashed Saif Al Qubaisi, Group Chief Operating Officer of PureHealth; Rashid Humaid Al Qubaisi, CEO of Abu Dhabi Media; Elena Sorlini, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, UAEJJF Secretary General; Omar Ali Ahmed, Director of International Relations at ADNOC, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Al Afifi said the championship "reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to elevating its sports landscape and showcases how the capital has emerged as a global sports hub. Abu Dhabi has become a model for delivering high-level sports experiences, attracting top athletes of all ages, and fostering cultural exchange.”
She further commended the UAE federation for creating an inclusive sports platform that enables athletes of all ages to hone their skills and compete in an inspiring environment.
