Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
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, the IMMAF Youth World championships kicked off at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi, on Monday.
The tournament, under the aegis of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), features more than 1,100 athletes representing 55 countries and will run until August 23.
The seventh edition of the event and fifth in a row for Abu Dhabi commenced with the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11.
The UAE national team put in a strong showing, securing 12 medals – five gold, three silver, and four bronze – demonstrating the readiness of its athletes to contend for honours in the tournament.
Nineteen athletes from the UAE featured in this category, marking its second appearance in the championships following its introduction in the 2025 edition. This initiative underscores the commitment to expanding participation, identifying talent, and nurturing a new generation of champions.
The opening ceremony featured a musical performance, alongside a film detailing the history and evolution of the championship since its inception. The presentation reflected the international stature of the event and highlighted Abu Dhabi's established standing on the global combat sports circuit.
The opening day also included a robot demonstration that captivated spectators, combining sport with modern technology and providing an interactive element to the day's proceedings.
The competitions were attended by Abdulmunem Al Hashemi, President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation (UAEJJF), President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF; Aref Al Awani, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC); Mohammed Ali Al Mansouri, Director General of Al Dhafra Region Municipality; Sharif Al Hashemi, Director General of Industrial Development at Tawazun Defence Empowerment Council; Ahmed Al Harmoudi, Director General of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at the Council; alongside officials from the federation, government entities, organisers ADSC and IMMAF, and participating delegations.
In his opening statement, Al Hashemi said that the opening day's events and the extensive athlete turnout inspire confidence and serve as a positive portent for the future of mixed martial arts regionally and globally.
He emphasised that the support of the wise leadership and Abu Dhabi's hosting of five consecutive world championships represent a significant milestone in expanding the sport globally, identifying talent, and developing champions.
"Hosting the championship for the fifth year embodies a strategic vision that goes beyond mere organisation to building an integrated system for discovering talent from an early age, refining it technically, physically, and mentally, according to well-defined development paths, ultimately leading to the preparation of national teams capable of competing at the highest levels. This investment in age groups aims to create champions and ensure the sustainability of achievements," he said.
Al Hashemi explained that the national team's participation aligns with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation's strategy to build a competitive foundation.
This strategy focuses on discovering and nurturing talent, delivering comprehensive training programmes, and expanding international exposure, all of which raise technical standards and establish a long-term development pathway in coordination with clubs, coaches and parents.
Al Hashemi further noted that the strategic partnership with the IMMAF, combined with Abu Dhabi's extensive experience in organising major international competitions, has reaffirmed the emirate's standing as a global hub for mixed martial arts and a premier platform for advancing the sport and preparing future generations of elite athletes.
Kerrith Brown, President of the IMMAF, affirmed that the Youth World Championships serve as a cornerstone of the federation's global development strategy, providing a progressive competitive pathway from early age divisions, anchored in proper preparation, athlete safety, and integrity.
He added that the introduction of new age divisions, culminating in the Youth D category, enhances development pathways for athletes and prepares them for subsequent stages.
He commended the UAE's continued hosting of the event, which reflects the successful partnership with the UAEJJF and utilises Abu Dhabi's organisational capabilities and advanced infrastructure to support the sport's global expansion.
Abdullah Al Balushi, father of athlete Khalifa, noted that his son's participation in the championship is a source of pride for the family. He observed that sport has played a key role in developing his son's character and instilling values of commitment, discipline and respect for opponents.
He stressed the vital role of parental support at this stage, alongside the technical guidance provided by coaches.
The tournament continues on Tuesday with the Youth C category competitions for 12 to 13-year-olds, featuring 12 athletes from the national team as they aim for further podium successes.
