Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Eleven-year-old Egyptian jiu-jitsu athlete Abdul Dghaino has a special reason to keep winning. His father, who first encouraged him to take up the sport, passed away in August 2021. Since then, the young athlete has been determined to continue his journey and dedicate his achievements to his father's memory.
Representing Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, Abdul Hamid has recorded a whopping 57 wins so far in his young career. He added another achievement to his record at the 18th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena, winning gold in the Youth Grey belt 34kg division.
He is keeping the wins coming and one person who would have proudly kept count is Abdul’s father, had fate not had other plans. Abdul's interest in jiu-jitsu primarily due to his father. Following his father’s death, he has continued training, determined to carry on what they had started together.
He trains under Emirati coach Ibrahim Al Hosani and has competed in several tournaments, including various rounds of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
“I worked very hard to achieve these wins, and my coaches helped me a lot. I want to thank them and everyone who has encouraged and supported me,” he said.
But his biggest motivation remains his late father. “I want to win every championship and dedicate my victories to my father's memory,” Abdul said.
His gold medal in Abu Dhabi continue to fuel Abdul’s desire to honour the memories of his father.
Meanwhile, the age-division bouts for youth in orange, grey and yellow belts continued on Thursday.
UAE athlete Maryam Al Suwaidi of Shabab Al Ahli Dubai won silver in the girls’ yellow belt 75 kg division. “It has been a great experience, and I will keep training hard so I can come back next year and compete for gold,” Al Suwaidi said.
An elated Patrick Parker of Gracie Barra Angola, who won gold in the boys’ orange belt 50 kg division, said: "I got to compete against athletes from different countries and learn a lot from the experience. I hope to come back next year and compete again.”
