UAE retain Jiu-Jitsu World C’ship title; World Pro draws huge participation

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, has successfully defended the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship title in the adults category for the fifth successive year, securing nine medals, including two gold, three silver, and four bronze, throughout the competition. The championship was held in Heraklion, Greece.

The championship also saw UAE’s Hamad Issa Al Blooshi winning the gold medal in the 60 kg para-jiu-jitsu category.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, dedicated the achievement to the UAE’s wise leadership, emphasising that their limitless support is the primary driver behind every Emirati success, on the continental and global level. Al Dhaheri stated that this support lights the path to excellence and achievement at all levels.

Al Dhaheri praised the dedication and excellence of the national team athletes, commending their skill and commitment to maintaining the UAE’s leadership position in the sport. He also acknowledged the exceptional efforts of the technical staff, emphasising that the intensive training camps held in preparation for the championship have significantly enhanced the athletes’ performances.

“Our champions gained valuable experience at the championship, competing alongside the world’s elite. Their success in winning nine medals in the adult competitions and a gold medal in the para-jiu-jitsu category reflects their high sense of responsibility and readiness to meet any challenge,” Al Dhaheri said.

“Throughout the championship, they displayed tremendous determination to achieve victory. We are confident that even more accomplishments lie ahead, driven by the leadership’s support, the athletes’ passion for jiu-jitsu, and their resolve to stay at the forefront.”

Gold medalist Hamad Issa Al Blooshi, who won in the under 60 kg para-jiu-jitsu category, said: “I dedicate this achievement to the UAE’s wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who have been a strong source of support, providing everything we need to pursue excellence. Jiu-jitsu is more than just a sport to me; it’s a way of life and a path that has helped me realise my potential.”

Over the three-day event, UAE athletes ascended the podium multiple times, with the national anthem resonating through the venue. In the adult category, Omar Al Suwaidi and Khaled Al Shehhi won gold, while Balqees Abdul Karim, Zayed Alkatheeri, and Mohammed Al Suwaidi claimed silver medals. Bronze medals were awarded to Aysha Al Shamsi, Maitha Shraim, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, and Saeed Al Kubaisi, further cementing the UAE’s standing in the global jiu-jitsu arena.

Meanwhile, the organising committee of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has announced that registration for all competition categories has closed, surpassing expectations by over 1,000 participants. The Championship will be held at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi from Nov.6 to 16.

With 9,000 male and female athletes from 137 countries registered, this year’s event sets a new participation record, the highest since the tournament’s launch in 2009. Last year, 7,000 players from 127 countries competed, underscoring the tournament’s growing reputation as a top platform for elite jiu-jitsu athletes worldwide.

The strong turnout reinforces Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global sports capital and showcases its strategic role in promoting sustainable growth of jiu-jitsu at regional and international levels, aligning with the leadership’s vision of establishing the emirate as a world leader in the sport.

Mohammed Hussain Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Championship Director, said: “This record-breaking registration for the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship demonstrates the event’s success in attracting top jiu-jitsu talent globally and offering a premier platform for excellence and cultural exchange.”