Amin Abbas

ABU DHABI: The first round of the Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicked off with fervor at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City on Friday.

The competitions attracted top athletes from leading local clubs and academies, leading to intense competitions that lived up to the event’s hype as an exciting addition to the local sporting calendar.

The opening day included competitions across the U18, adults, and masters categories, with 700 male and female athletes from various parts of the country showcasing impressive technical skills and prowess.

M.O.D UAE took the lead, followed by Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in second and third places, respectively.

The championship features a comprehensive ranking system to recognize athletes and clubs based on their performance and results through all rounds of the championship. This system is a motivating factor for clubs to invest optimally in talent and register the largest possible number of athletes in all categories throughout all five rounds of the championship, to gain more points and ensure strong competition for the title.

Abdulmunem Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Mugheer Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, Mansoor Al Mansoori,  Abu Dhabi’s Chairman of the Department of Health, and Mansour Al Dhaheri, Board members of the Federation, attended the competition on Friday. 

Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, noted that the championship is a significant milestone in promoting and developing the jiu-jitsu sport locally and internationally.

“Today, we witnessed the passion, determination, and resilience of our athletes, which are the core values of jiu-jitsu. This championship marks a further step in their journey towards achieving their full potential and signifies our efforts to build a healthy, active society through sports, leaving a legacy for future generations,” the Vice Chairman said.

“We take pride in our Emirati athletes, who continually prove the success of our strategy and programs to nurture strong generations of talented athletes. Their dedication reflects our commitment to developing talents, enhancing their potential, and contributing to shaping a bright future for our country and society under the guidance of our wise leadership,” he added.

Igor Lacerda, a coach at Sharjah’s Self-Defense Sports Club, reflected on the championship, saying, “This championship has showcased high competitiveness among athletes today. We’ve enjoyed outstanding performances from all clubs and academies and are pleased with our team’s performance. Today’s competitions mark the start of our journey through this championship, aiming to accumulate maximum points across its five rounds and compete for its trophy.”

Ariadne Oliveira, Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club’s couch, added: “This championship plays a crucial role in developing the players skills by allowing them to participate in its various rounds in a competitive atmosphere. The championship attracts elite athletes, making it a true test of their skills and an unparalleled opportunity for development, resulting in enthusiastic competitions throughout the year.”

Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy’s Omar Alfadhli, who won gold in the Men 69kg category, said: “Each of my competitions was tough, facing skilled opponents both technically and physically. Winning the gold medal today is a huge honor for me. I’m really excited about this achievement.”

Dana Ali Albreiki of Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, who won gold in the youth women’s 40kg category, said: “It’s not just about winning; competing against experienced athletes and facing new challenges was amazing. My passion for Jiu-Jitsu keeps pushing me forward.”

Andre Luiz De Almeida of Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, who won gold in the Masters -85kg category, said: “I’m thrilled with this victory and the gold medal that helps our club move forward in the championship. I’m grateful to the technical and administrative staff, coaches, and teammates whose support was invaluable during these competitions.”