Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship, part of the 17th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, kicked off on Tuesday, bringing together athletes from leading academies and clubs around the world.
The opening day saw a notable turnout of local and international competitors over the age of 30, who travelled to Abu Dhabi to compete across the purple, brown, and black belt divisions.
The day's competitions saw impressive performances from the participants, showcasing their years of experience on the mats.
The Championship is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Emirati athlete Salem Al Asmar, a brown belt from MoD Academy and gold medallist in the Masters 62-kilogram division, said: "Winning gold in the Masters division shows how important consistent training and staying sharp technically are. Success here is not about strength alone. You need to study your opponent and manage the tactical and mental side of the match.
"This championship gives masters athletes the right platform to test themselves against experienced competitors with different styles. Competing under my academy in this edition reflects my continued commitment to improving and using this global event to move forward in my sporting career.”
Attending the competitions on Tuesday were Mohamed Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Yousef Al Batran, UAEJJF Board Member; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations; Khaled Aldhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Daman; and Yousef Alketbi, CEO of the National Rehabilitation Centre.
The Masters competitions continue Wednesday, with another full day of experienced athletes across all belt divisions expected to deliver even more intensity and action.
