Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
Khaled Al Shehhi has opened the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Bangkok with a perfect start for the UAE, capturing the gold medal in the men’s 62-kilogramme division on Tuesday.
His victory raises the national team’s overall medal count to seven, including four gold, one silver, and two bronze medals across the men’s and women’s divisions so far.
Al Shehhi’s triumph came after a commanding performance throughout his matches, where he showcased outstanding technical and physical ability. He overcame some of the top-ranked athletes in his division to claim gold, earning praise from spectators and fellow competitors for his impressive performance.
Al Shehhi expressed his joy at winning the world title, dedicating the achievement to the UAE’s leadership for its continuous support. “The challenge was tough and the competition was strong, but confidence, preparation, and the backing from the Federation and coaching staff were key to this victory,” he said.
The day also featured the official opening ceremony of the championship, which included a parade of 60 national teams featuring more than 4,000 athletes who will compete in the men’s and women’s divisions, as well as U14, U16, Under-18 and U21 categories.
The event runs until 15 November at Bangkok’s Huamark Indoor Stadium. The men’s competition concludes tomorrow, with UAE athletes set to compete in the 85kg and 94kg divisions as they aim to extend the team’s medal count.
The UAE's 110-strong delegation across various divisions is supported by a full team of technical, administrative, and medical staff as part of the federation’s strategy to enhance the international experience of athletes.
Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri said the UAE athletes’ success reflects their dedication and determination to represent the nation with pride on the global stage. “We are proud of their performance, fighting spirit, and professionalism,” he said. “We are confident that the rest of the delegation will continue this momentum and add more medals to the country’s tally in the coming days.”
