ABU DHABI: The UAE’s senior jiu-jitsu team has arrived in Greece for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships, aiming to secure their fifth consecutive title.
The Jiu-Jitsu International Federation is organising the championship in Heraklion from Oct. 24 to 26.
This is the team’s fourth international appearance this season, following strong showings at the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi, the Grand Prix Thailand Open 2024 in Bangkok, and the JJAU Regional Championship West Asia in Jordan.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, UAEJJF board member and national team administrator, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness. “We believe our champions are fully prepared to reclaim the title. After several weeks in an intense internal training camp, their technical, tactical and mental preparation is at its peak, ready to compete with the world’s elite,” he said.
“The team, sponsored by Mubadala, heads into the competition with one goal — to defend the title for the fifth consecutive year. Given their great level of confidence and the intense training they have undergone, we have all faith in their skills to perform well and bring the championship title back home.”
National team head coach Ramon Lemos is also optimistic about the team’s chances. “We’ve built a team with great skills, mental toughness and physical conditioning required to excel at the World Championship. Our roster features a perfect balance of youth and experience, all committed to delivering an exceptional performance.”
Lemos also emphasised the importance of team cohesion and chemistry, which have been sharpened during recent training camps. “In the coming days, we’ll continue to focus on refining the players’ synergy, ensuring they are in perfect sync for competition.”
The UAE national team includes Omar Al-Suwaidi and Zayed Alkatheeri (56 kg); Khaled Al-Balushi and Khaled Al-Shehhi (62 kg); Mohammed Al-Suwaidi and Sultan Hassan (69 kg); Mahdi Al-Awlaqi and Sultan Al-Hosni (77 kg); and Saeed Al-Kubaisi (85 kg).
In the women’s division, Balqees Abdulkarim and Aysha Al-Shamsi (45 kg) will compete alongside Maitha Shraim and Hamda Alshkeili (48 kg); Hessa Al-Shamsi and Asma Al-Hosani (52 kg); Shamsa Al-Ameri and Alanood Al-Hosani (57 kg); Shamma Al-Kalbani (63 kg); and Muhrah Mahfoudh (70 kg).
Additionally, the UAE youth teams — competing in the under-14, under-16, under-18, and under-21 categories — are gearing up to participate in the same championship from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4.
