HERAKLION: The UAE’s national jiu-jitsu team have taken the World Championship title for the fifth successive year.

The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, won nine medals in the adult category at the championships, in Heraklion, Greece — two golds, three silvers and four bronzes.

Hamad Issa Al-Blooshi also took the gold medal in the 60 kg para-jiu-jitsu section.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, dedicated the team’s achievements to the UAE’s leadership and support.

He also praised the dedication of the athletes and commended the technical staff, emphasizing how intensive training camps ahead of the tournament helped prepare them for the event and enhanced their performance.

“Our champions gained valuable experience at the championship, competing alongside the world’s elite. Their success in winning nine medals in the adult competitions and a gold medal in the para-jiu-jitsu category reflects their high sense of responsibility and readiness to meet any challenge,” Al-Dhaheri said.

“Throughout the championship, they displayed tremendous determination to achieve victory. We are confident that even more accomplishments lie ahead, driven by the leadership’s support, the athletes’ passion for jiu-jitsu, and their resolve to stay at the forefront.”

Gold medalist Al-Blooshi said: “I dedicate this achievement to the UAE’s wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who have been a strong source of support, providing everything we need to pursue excellence. Jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport to me; it’s a way of life and a path that has helped me realize my potential.”

In the adult category, Omar Al-Suwaidi and Khaled Al-Shehhi won gold medals, while Balqees Abdul Karim, Zayed Al-Katheeri and Mohammed Al-Suwaidi claimed silver and bronze medals went to Aysha Al-Shamsi, Maitha Shraim, Mahdi Al-Awlaqi and Saeed Al-Kubaisi.