Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
The UAE's Commando Group continued to make a strong impression on Tuesday, the seventh day of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, taking place at Mubadala Arena from November 6-16.
The Masters segment kicked off with purple and brown belts in action on Tuesday. After an intense day on the mats, Commando Group topped the medal table, followed by MoD UAE in second place and the Kazakhstan National Academy in third.
The day also featured Masters qualifying matches for the black belt category for men and the brown/black belt category for women, with competitors vying for spots in the main bracket and final rounds, which will take place on Wednesday.
The competition showcased high-level techniques, strong matchups with impressive performances, and thrilling spectators.
Attending the championship and crowning the day's winners were Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade; Alia bint Abdullah Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship; Sheikh Tarik bin Faisal Al Qasimi; Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi Police Commander-in-Chief; Ahmed Mohamed Al Hameeri, Secretary General of Presidential Court; Major General Khalifa Mohammed Al Khaili, Director of the Finance and Services Sector, Abu Dhabi Police, among others.
Brown belt-holder Jyri Heinonen won the 94-kilogramme gold in the Men's Gi category while representing Cobra Fitness. "I've been planning to come to Abu Dhabi and compete in the championships here for a long time, and I decided to enter this year's Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. I'm thrilled to have secured first place. I spent a lot of time training and preparing, and even continued training in Abu Dhabi with many skilled competitors, gaining valuable experience," he said.
"I've competed in many tournaments across Europe, but I've never seen one of this scale. The experience was incredible in every way, so I'll be back for next year's edition," Heinonen added.
Congratulating the winners in the Masters category, Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the athletes showed top commitment, skill, and discipline, while proving that age is just a number.
He noted their achievements and progress in the belt ranks embody a dedication to success and excellence. "The Masters category is a key part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with athletes demonstrating challenge and determination, inspiring new generations in the sport."
Expressing his delight to be present on the occasion was Khalifa Abdullah Al Qubaisi, the Deputy Director General of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. "We are proud to organise an event of this scale in our capital, Abu Dhabi, and to witness its growth each year into a true celebration of sport.
"We greatly appreciate the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's efforts in promoting and advancing the sport, especially with the achievements of our sons and daughters at both local and international levels," he said.
