Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The inaugural edition of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship concluded with its final round wrapping up on Sunday at the Mubadala Arena, Abu Dhabi, after three days of high-intensity competition and solid performances.
Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club trumped in the Gi and No-Gi divisions respectively to bring a landmark season to a fitting finish over the final three days of competition.
The event featured five rounds held across various locations in the UAE this year, including three rounds for the Gi category and two for the No-Gi category, with competitions spanning different age groups.
The Kids and Under-16 categories provided action-packed matches on the final day, with Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club continuing their consistent performances to emerge victorious, capping off their dominant reign in previous rounds in style.
Sharjah Self-Defence SC also secured a strong second-place finish in the overall Gi ranking, while Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club earned third. In the No-Gi division, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took the title, MoD Academy finished as runner-up, and Al Ain club taking third place.
The event was attended by several esteemed guests, including Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Office as well as UAE Media Council; Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAE JJF), among others.
On behalf of the Al Ain Club, Mansour Al Hashemi, Chairman of their Sports Games Company, said: "We are incredibly proud to claim the Gi championship title in a competition that carries a name close our hearts. From the start, we were determined to accumulate the highest points and secure the title. This achievement is the result of rigorous training and commitment."
For the Sharjah winners, Ahmed Saeed Ali Jarwan, the president of the club's board of directors, commended his players for securing the No-Gi championship. He dedicated the achievement to Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Sports Council, and the club's sports family.
He also hailed "the players' technical excellence and the dedication of their coaches" for being instrumental in the accomplishment," Al Jarwan said.
Representing the UAE JJF, Al Dhaheri said: "We are proud of the tremendous success achieved over the five rounds. It has become a leading platform showcasing the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. This championship reflects our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence, developing local talent, and providing a high-level competitive environment that unites athletes and clubs nationwide.
"On this final day, we celebrate our champions, who have embodied the values of the sport. We honour the winning clubs for their achievements and outstanding efforts. Looking ahead, we remain steadfast in our mission to elevate jiu-jitsu and support our athletes in reaching greater heights.
"We sincerely thank the championship sponsors, whose invaluable support has been instrumental in our journey. Their partnership has helped us achieve milestones, organise world-class events, and promote the sport of jiu-jitsu."
