Kazakhstan athletes star on Day 2 of Abu Dhabi World Pro

Gulf Today, Staff Report

Saturday marked another action-packed day at the 14th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship featuring fierce performance by hundreds of athletes representing different academies and clubs from across the world.

The athletes battled it out at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Zayed Sports City for the chance to take glorious medals home.

As the competitions in the Amateur division (White & Blue Belts) were concluded on Day 2, the Kazakhstan National Team secured the lead in the Best Academy ranking with Sharjah Self Defence Sports club and UAEJJ Team occupying second and third places respectively.

Saturday’s competitions were attended by Naema Al Mansouri, Member of the Federal National Council (FNC), Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union, and Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAEJJF, Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, Chief Executive Officer at Mubadala Healthcare, and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations and various representatives of participating clubs and academies.

Shamsi said the launching of the championship with competitions for kids and amateurs was a thoughtful decision by the federation.

“Given the high demand we have seen for participation, the UAEJJF made the right decision to launch the ADWPJJC with the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Festival. We are witnessing an unprecedented level of public engagement and a glitzy atmosphere of competition,” he said.

“The championship provides many players a starting point for their professional careers, as evidenced by today's matches. The players were shining in the Amateurs class, and the results indicate that they are convinced that this competition is the first step on the road to success,” he added.

Shamsi appreciated the role done by local clubs and academies in helping the federation realise its objective of creating the ideal environment for developing talent and promoting jiu-jitsu.

In turn, Mohammed Yousef Al Fahim, Assistant support services Secretary General for Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), stressed the championship imparts values of service among the jiu-jitsu community.

“The sporting events held in Abu Dhabi and the UAE strongly contribute to personal development of the athletes as well as overall societal development. The UAE is the main center for jiu-jitsu and other sports tournaments.

Nowais, CEO of Mubadala Healthcare, said that the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a matter of pride for every citizen and resident in the UAE.

“I appreciate the UAEJJF’s strenuous efforts in organising the biggest international competitions that grab interest from all over the world. I wish continued success to the Federation in the future since it will help strengthen Abu Dhabi's reputation as the World Capital of Jiu-jitsu.”

Melquisedeque Moura (Blue Belt) from Brazil, who is representing Clube Feijao at the Men's Amateur (56kg) division, said ADWPJJC is among his favorite jiu-jitsu championships.  “What I like most about this championship is the magical atmosphere here which motivates the players to do their best,” he said.

Marwa Alhosani, a blue belt holder from the UAE’s Sharjah Self-Defence Sports club, gifted a perfect start to the day by bagging a gold in the Amateur (70kg) division.

“Achieving the medal in the championship is the biggest achievement in my career so far. I am very happy and optimistic that I can pursue a professional career in this wonderful sport. There is no doubt that this achievement is my first step towards achieving my future goals,” she said.

Magomed Ibragimov (Blue Belt) from Russia’s Checkmat International, who bagged Gold in the Amateur (120kg) category, said that ADWPJJC is very popular in his country.

“Participating in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is too valuable to be missed. This tournament is very popular in Russia, so it is a top priority for Russian athletes. Abu Dhabi has changed the concepts of major jiu-jitsu tournaments in terms of the splendid organisation and hosting,” he said.