Athletes in action during their Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship bout.

The Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship kicked off with great fervour at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, setting the stage for intense competitions among young athletes. As day one wrapped up, the UAE amassed nine medals. 

Featuring competitions for athletes under 16, 18, and 21 years old, the youth championship is part of the eighth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, from May 3-8.  It is the first time that youth competitions are included in the continental championship.

The inaugural day witnessed competitions across various disciplines including Duo-Classic, Show, Jiu-Jitsu, and Jiu-Jitsu Fighting. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team excelled in the jiu-jitsu discipline, the only discipline they are participating in, securing 9 medals, including 2 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze.

Najla Hashem (-48 kg) and Haneen Alkhoori (-57 kg) won gold for the hosts, while Ali Alnajar (-40 kg) and Hamdan Alnajar (-48 kg) won silver. Alyazia Aljneibi (+63 kg), Ghala Al-Hammadi (44 kg), Zayed Al-Hosani (+77 kg), Saif Al Balushi (44 kg), and Saif Hamad Al Ameri (62 kg) won bronze, bringing the UAE’s overall tally to 9.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations commended the performance and technical proficiency exhibited by the youth national team.

“The strong performance of our youth team today once again proves the UAE’s youth team is one of the strongest. We attribute this success to the limitless support of the UAE’s wise leadership as well as the relentless efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in nurturing young athletes. We take great pride in the fact that Abu Dhabi, serves as the preferred destination for the best athletes in Asia and the world, and as a pivotal decision-making centre for sports development across the region and globally.”

Ibrahim Alhosani, Coach of the UAE National Youth Team, said: “Today, our National Team had an impressive showing on the mats. Their performance reflects the collective effort and guidance of our coaching and technical staff. This is the result of rigorous training, strategic preparation, and endless commitment to the sport.

“Our athletes executed their techniques with precision and tactical acumen, showcasing great physical and mental strength. We are proud of their performance and the resilience they demonstrated throughout the competition. This achievement is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the invaluable support from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, families, teammates, and the fans.”

Najla Hashem, the UAE gold medalist in the jiu-Jitsu 48 kg division, said: “I’m pleased with today’s performance and results. Throughout the fights, my focus was on maintaining a balanced position and seizing the right moments to perform the techniques. I want to extend my gratitude to the technical staff for their thorough preparation, which equipped us mentally and physically to compete against strong competitors.”

Haneen Alkhoori, who grabbed gold for the UAE in JIU-Jitsu -57 kg division, added: “Competing in a continental tournament like this is something I’ve always wanted. It helps me improve as an athlete and learn new skills. I’m proud to be part of this team, and I believe there are many exciting things ahead for us.”

Aydana Ashirbekova of Uzbekistan, who secured gold in the U21 Jiu-Jitsu Fighting -48 Kg division, added, “Winning the gold medal in the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship is a dream I’ve cherished for a long time. I’m thrilled with this achievement and proud to represent Uzbekistan. Returning from Abu Dhabi, I’ll carry memories to cherish for a lifetime.”

Pakistan excels: Tariq Ali, Secretary-General of the Pakistan Jiu-Jitsu Federation, added, “I am truly impressed by the organisation of the eighth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship. I want to express my appreciation to the organisers, the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, and the hosts, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. The increased participation and the high level of competition we have witnessed since Friday demonstrate how far the sport in the continent has progressed and the bright future that awaits us.”

“The Pakistan team also showcased a remarkable performance at the championship, despite having only a few athletes participating. We secured two bronze medals in the adult divisions and are eagerly anticipating more success in the youth division.”