Under-16 athletes set to compete at Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Top-class jiu-jitsu returns to the UAE capital this weekend with the prestigious Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup competition for under-16s.

Taking place at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, players from various clubs and academies are expected to take to the mats on April 8-9 across numerous weight categories.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the country, the U-16 competitions will be open to athletes aged 14 and 15, with men competing in weight divisions of 46kg, 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, and 84kg; and women competing in weight divisions of 48kg, 57kg, and 69kg.

The fights begin on Friday with a weigh-in session scheduled for between 4pm and 6pm, followed by elimination rounds from 9pm. The final competitions and coronation ceremonies will be held on Saturday.

“We are pleased to launch the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup during the Holy Month,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, secretary general of the UAEJJF.

“It is the most valuable tournament on the local scene and holds a special place in the hearts of participants and the Jiu-Jitsu community as a whole.

“This year, we've made some significant updates to the tournament system to improve competition levels and performance quality by separating the competitions for the U-16, U-18, and adults’ categories. The new format will ensure maximum representation of players and top-level competitions.”

The previous edition of the President's Cup saw the addition of a women’s category resulting in outstanding performances by Emirati females. Palms Sports Academy Team 777 took first place in the adults’ category, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took first place in the U-18 category, and Al Wahda took first place in the U-16 category. In the men’s category, Baniyas Club took first-place in the adults and U-18 categories, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took first-place in the U-16.