Al Jazira star as young female athletes prove mettle at 15th Abu Dhabi World Pro

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club continued to assert their dominance on the second day of the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship, a part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (ADWPJJC), taking place at the Mubadala Arena.

The competitions on Saturday showcased the exceptional strength and skill of women’s Jiu-Jitsu in the Emirates and abroad.

In an exhilarating day of action, which saw hundreds of girls aged 10-17 competing across various age, weight, and belt categories, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged victorious and grabbed the first place, with Kazakhstan national team securing the second position, and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club finishing third.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance to witness the remarkable achievements of the female athletes were Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; Abdulmunem Alsayedmohamed Al Hashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Eisa Hilal Al Hazami, Chairman of the Sharjah Sports Council; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee; Ahmed Khalifa Al Qubaisi, Chief Executive Officer of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI); Amal Al Afifi, the Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education; and Dr. Souad Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Khalifa Award for Education.

Hazami expressed his delight at being part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, highlighting its world-class organisation, the significant number of participating athletes, and international representation.

He said, “What sets this championship apart is the incredible crowd support, particularly from families who come out in force to encourage and motivate their children. This interest and encouragement contribute to the development of strong and capable future leaders.”

Afifi expressed her pride in the organization of this prestigious tournament in Abu Dhabi. “Jiu-jitsu has now reached most of the households in the country, thanks to the efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation,” she said. “The UAEJJF’s initiatives have not only increased the number of practitioners but have also contributed to strengthening the bonds between communities. Jiu-Jitsu events drive active community engagement, bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds.”

Mohamed Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Director of the Championship, emphasised that the performance of young women reflects the sport’s growing popularity among girls worldwide as they aspire to pursue professional careers in jiu-jitsu.

Marzooqi added, “Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone. It’s a way of life for young athletes. We can see this when young girls eagerly join events like the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, where they get to showcase their skills to the world.”

Marzooqi also commended the impressive performance of Emirati players and their ongoing progress, emphasising that the UAE has a remarkable generation of female athletes capable of forging successful careers in the sport and representing the nation proudly on various international stages.

Meanwhile, Ayub Magomadov, head coach of the Russian Gymnasium Team, said, “We took third place in the Festival competitions. It’s a significant result for us, and I couldn’t be happier. This is the fifth straight year we’ve been coming here, and the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship keeps getting better year after year, getting bigger. I think this event is like the Olympics of Jiu-Jitsu.

“Jiu-Jitsu is an international sport. We come to the championship as one big Jiu-Jitsu community. What unites us as a community is the spirit of sports. I really want to give it up to Abu Dhabi for making all of this happen,” he added.

Colombian Emiliana Osorio, the gold medalist in the Girls Gi / Infant / Yellow / 36kg division, representing Gracie Colombia, described her victory as a dream come true. “I traveled from Colombia to Abu Dhabi for this major tournament with one goal in mind: to win the gold medal. I’m thrilled that I achieved it. This success is the result of hard work, determination, and following my coach’s guidance. I want to express my gratitude to my coach for helping me achieve this accomplishment,” she said.

Emirati Fatima Alktheeri from Al Wahda Club, who secured gold in the Girls Gi / Teen / Yellow / 44kg division, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the UAEJJF. She said, “The federation spares no effort in providing all the necessary elements for our success, enabling us to shine and achieve victories on both local and international stages. I dedicate this medal to the UAEJJF.”

The action continues on Sunday with the amateur category competitions, featuring men and women competing in the White and Blue belts.