Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
The national jiu-jitsu team members for the sixth Asian Beach Games departed for China where they will compete in Sanya from April 22 to 30, following an intensive preparation period focused on final technical and physical readiness.
The Games, organised by the Olympic Council of Asia, will bring together around 3,800 athletes representing 45 Asian countries, competing across 14 sports, highlighting the scale and significance of the event at the continental level.
This participation carries particular importance as the Games provide a high-level competitive platform reflecting the continued development of jiu-jitsu on a platform where the UAE's athletes get an opportunity to stamp dominance and consolidate the vision of the country's leadership on the Asian stage.
The men's team includes Omar Al Suwaidi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Sultan Hassan, Sultan Jabr, Mahdi Al Awlaqi and Sultan Al Hosani.
The women's team includes Hessa Al Shamsi, Zamzam Al Hammadi, Shamsa Al Ameri, Shamma Al Kalbani and Muhrah Mahfoudh, but leading the pack in some way will be Asma Al Hosani, the first Emirati woman to win a gold medal at the main Asian Games in 2023 when it was held at Hangzhou, also in China.
Mubarak Al Menhali, Technical Director at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and head of the UAE contingent, emphasised the value of competing in a multi-sport environment.
Participation in China, Al Menhali said, "provides an important technical benchmark, allowing our athletes to test themselves against diverse styles and assess their progress in a dynamic competitive environment. It is part of a wider plan by the Federation to enhance athletes' capabilities and maintain technical and tactical excellence under varying conditions, while strengthening the team's presence in continental and international competitions".
"Since the event is returning after the last edition held in 2016 in Vietnam, we expect a higher level of competition, especially given the presence of strong teams from across Asia. We are confident our athletes can deliver performances that reflect the work done since the last edition," he added.
Leading medal hope and Emirati athlete Asma Al Hosani said: "Our training focused on enhancing technical readiness, improving our ability to read opponents, and adapting to different match scenarios – especially against elite athletes from across Asia. Precision and quick decision-making are crucial in determining outcomes at this level. We enter the competition with confidence and ambition to perform well, win medals, and represent the UAE in the best way."
Sailors to Sanya
Hours earlier, the national sailing team members also made their way to Sanya. The five-member squad features Marwa Al Hammadi, Elyazia Al Hammadi, and Abdulla Al Zubaidi in the ILCA 4 category, with Mohamed Al Mehairi and Khalifa Al Romaithi contesting the Optimist class.
Mohammed Al Obaidli, Secretary General of the UAE Sailing and Rowing Federation, confirmed the team's readiness following a final training camp in Morocco. He emphasised that the goal is to secure podium finishes, supporting the federation's strategy to enhance the UAE's international sporting profile.
