ALMATY: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team have continued their impressive performances at the third Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship, held at Almaty Arena, by claiming 12 medals in the under-18 division, including four gold, two silver and six bronze.
The latest results this week reinforce the UAE’s position among Asia’s leading jiu-jitsu nations. It reflects the country’s continued investment in development and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation’s long-term vision to prepare athletes for global competitions.
Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the federation, said: “The continued success of our national teams is the result of the tremendous support the UAE’s wise leadership provides to sport and its belief in the importance of investing in talent and empowering young athletes.
“This has helped build an advanced sporting system that continues to deliver achievements and raise the UAE flag at continental and international competitions.”
He added that the federation identifies talent at an early age, and develops athletes through scientific training programs and regular international participation.
Gold medals were won by Zainab Al-Mansoori (over 70 kg), Saif Al-Baloushi (under 48 kg), Hazza Al-Kaabi (under 56 kg) and Zayed Al-Hosani (under 85 kg). Silver medals went to Haneen Al-Khouri (under 57 kg) and Khalfan Al-Zaidi (under 85 kg).
Bronze medals were claimed by Shamma Mohammed Al-Mansoori (under 40 kg), Ghala Al-Hammadi (under 52 kg), Ghanem Al-Ali (under 52 kg), Ali Al-Najjar (under 56 kg), Hamed Isa Al-Maskari and Saif Hamad Al-Ameri (both under 62 kg).
The under-18 results took the UAE’s overall medal tally at the championship to 27, comprising seven gold, seven silver and 13 bronze, following the team’s 15 won in the under-16 competition.
“The under-18 category represents an important stage in preparing athletes to transition to elite competition,” Al-Shamsi added.
“The maturity, technical ability and composure our athletes displayed against strong opponents reflect the quality of the federation’s technical program and the success of its long-term strategy.”
Yasser Mohammed Al-Qubaisi, head of national teams at the federation, said: “The under-18 competition highlighted the remarkable development of our athletes and their ability to deal intelligently with the changing dynamics of each contest while maintaining concentration until the final moments.
“Several contests were decided through precise execution and making the most of opportunities at the right time. This championship provides the technical staff with an important opportunity to assess performances comprehensively and build on the technical gains ahead of upcoming competitions.”
Gold-medal winner Al-Hosani said: “We entered the competition with great focus, knowing that reaching the top of the podium required discipline, commitment to the coaches’ instructions and managing every moment of each contest.
“Representing the UAE is a great responsibility and motivates me to continue improving and achieving more success.”
Al-Mansoori, who also won gold, said: “The competition demanded complete focus, mental composure and the ability to adapt throughout each contest.
“Good preparation and the support of the coaching staff helped me overcome difficult challenges, and this medal motivates me to work even harder and prepare for the competitions ahead.”
The championship resumes on Thursday with the under-21 competitions.
