UAE jiu-jitsu team get rousing welcome on return from World Games with five medals

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE national jiu-jitsu team landed in Dubai on Monday after competing admirably at the 11th edition of the World Games, one of the most important global multi-sport events in the world.

The squad was greeted at the airport by a strong delegation headed by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade.

The UAE national team won five medals at the recently concluded championship, including Faisal Al Ketbi winning gold in the 85 kg and open weight categories and Mohammed Al Suwaidi took home silver in the 69 kg division.

Meanwhile, Shamma al Kalbani became the first Emirati female player to clinch a medal at the World Games, winning two bronze medals in the 63 kg and open weight categories.

After lifting gold in the 85kg division, Ketbi won his second title following victory over Moroccan Seif Eddine Houmine in the open weight final after showing great technical skills on the mats. Ketbi was able to replicate his achievement five years after taking home the gold and silver medal in Warsaw, Poland, in 2017.

“You set a role model for future generations that seek glory,” said Zeyoudi while congratulating the heroes on their remarkable achievements.

“Secret behind the UAE jiu-jitsu team’s success in winning world championships like this is having a great vision, long-term strategic planning, and limitless support from the leadership.”

Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAEJJF, was among the dignitaries at the airport to welcome the UAE delegation to the US.

“The visionary leadership that believes in the outstanding qualities and capabilities of our players and their steadfast determination of not giving up is the reason behind every significant victory and strategic gain for our country’s sport,” he added.

Ketbi expressed his immense joy at receiving such a grand welcome. “These are joyous moments that we will always cherish. I want to dedicate this success to the wise leadership for their ongoing support of sportsmen and sports as well as the UAEJJF and the chairman, Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi.”

“The achievement in Birmingham was the result of our continuous work for five years, specifically after achieving the gold medal in Warsaw in 2017.”

Dr Marwan Ali Al Kaabi, Executive Director of Operations at the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) said: “We are thrilled about this excellent accomplishment. We take great pride in offering players and the UAEJJF’s events various healthcare support.”

Omar Muhamed Karmastaji, Vice President of General Services at the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was also present to receive the team. “The support of the wise leadership and the excellent coordination across government institutions are the foundation for jiu-jitsu's growth in the nation,” he added.

Elsewhere, Ramon Lemos, coach of the national jiu-jitsu team, said: “The victory at the World Games was a direct result of their meticulous training. The winning mentality of the players gave them an advantage on the mats.”