ABU DHABI: Top-class jiu-jitsu returns to the UAE capital this weekend with the prestigious Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup competition for under-16s.

Taking place at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, players from various clubs and academies are expected to take to the mats on April 8-9 across numerous weight categories.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the country, the U-16 competitions will be open to athletes aged 14 and 15, with men competing in weight divisions of 46, 50, 55, 60, 66, 73 and 84 kilograms; and women competing in weight divisions of 48, 57 and 69 kilograms.

The competition begins on Friday with a weigh-in session scheduled for between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., followed by elimination rounds from 9 p.m. The final competitions and coronation ceremonies will be held on Saturday.

“We are pleased to launch the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup during the holy month,” said Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary general of the UAEJJF. “It is the most valuable tournament in the local scene and holds a special place in the hearts of participants and the jiu-jitsu community as a whole.

“This year, we’ve made some significant updates to the tournament system to improve competition levels and performance quality by separating the competitions for the U-16, U-18 and adult categories. The new format will ensure maximum representation of players and top-level competitions.”

The previous edition of the President’s Cup saw the addition of a women’s category, resulting in outstanding performances by Emirati women. Palms Sports Academy Team 777 took first place in the adult category, Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club took first place in the U-18 category and Al-Wahda took first place in the U-16 category. In the men’s category, Baniyas Club took first place in the adult and U-18 categories, while Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club placed first in the U-16.