RIYADH: The UAE’s jiu-jitsu team ended their campaign at the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh with eight medals after taking four golds, two silvers and two bronze medals following a strong showing on the final day of competition.
Among the medals was Khaled Al-Shehhi, who won gold in the 62 kg division; Shamma Al-Kalbani, who took gold in the 63 kg category; Asma Al-Hosani, who claimed gold in the 52 kg division; and Mahdi Al Awlaqi, who bagged silver at 77 kg level.
The national team concluded their campaign at the top of the medal table, ahead of second-placed Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia in third.
The success of the eight Emirati athletes highlighted the team’s strength at the competition.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, the chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, and senior vice president of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, congratulated the team’s members.
He said: “Maintaining this streak of achievements within a single month — at the Asian Youth Games, the World Championships in Thailand, and then the Islamic Solidarity Games — is remarkable. It is the result of work within an integrated system that includes the athletes’ families, clubs, and the federation’s partners.
“I commend the discipline and dedication of our athletes, as they always strive to represent the nation in the best possible way no matter how much effort that requires from them. I also praise the role of the family, which supports its sons and daughters and provides them with the best environment to continuously develop their level. I further value the role of the technical, administrative, and medical staff, and the degree of harmony among them all as they work in the spirit of one team.”
Helder Medeiros, head coach of the UAE’s team, said he was “pleased” with the team’s performances in Riyadh, and added: “The results show how much progress the team has made after months of hard work, and confirm the strength of the national team at both continental and international levels, especially after the recent success at the JJIF World Championships in Thailand.
“The athletes showed discipline, focus and a highly competitive mindset. They faced experienced opponents but proved they can perform at a high level and achieve good results. We are proud of their medals and even more proud of their increasing level of skills which keeps them motivated to achieve more at upcoming championships.”
Gold medalist Al-Shehhi said: “The achievement was a team effort, not just an individual result: In jiu-jitsu no athlete improves alone.
“I entered the championship knowing I had the responsibility of representing the UAE and showing the hard work we all put in during preparation. Our goal was to achieve results that reflected our effort. What I achieved today shows our commitment and unity as a team and motivates us to continue with the same spirit.”
