ABU DHABI: The UAE’s Commando Group have continued their successful run on the seventh day of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which is taking place at Mubadala Arena until Nov. 16.
The Abu Dhabi World Masters Jiu-Jitsu Championship began on Tuesday, featuring purple and brown belts. At the end of the day, Commando Group topped the medal table, followed by MOD UAE in second, and the Kazakhstan National Academy in third.
The day also featured qualifying matches for the masters’ men’s and women’s black- and brown-belt contests, with competitors vying for Wednesday’s final-round spots.
Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The masters category is a key part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with athletes demonstrating challenge and determination, inspiring new generations in the sport.”
One of the guests of honor, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development’s Deputy Director-General Khalifa Abdullah Al-Qubaisi, said: “We are proud to organize an event of this scale in our capital, Abu Dhabi, and to witness its growth each year into a true celebration of sport.
“We greatly appreciate the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts in promoting and advancing the sport, especially with the achievements of our sons and daughters at both local and international levels.”
Cobra Fitness’ Jyri Heinonen, who won gold in the 94 kg Men’s GI/Brown/Master 4 category, was delighted at his performance.
“I’ve been planning to come to Abu Dhabi and compete in the championships here for a long time, and I decided to enter this year’s Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
“I’m thrilled to have secured first place. I spent a lot of time training and preparing, and even continued training in Abu Dhabi with many skilled competitors, gaining valuable experience,” he said.
“I’ve competed in many tournaments across Europe, but I’ve never seen one of this scale. The experience was incredible in every way, so I’ll be back for next year’s edition.”
