Emiratis Zayed Alkatheeri, Khaled Al Shehhi, Mohammed Alsuwaidi and Asma Alhosani, on Friday, secured their spots in the finals of the professional black belt division at the 16th Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The finals will occur tomorrow, Saturday, at Mubadala Arena starting at 6 PM, featuring four Emirati athletes, a first since the championship’s inception.
Representing Baniyas Club, Alhosani has made history by becoming the first Emirati woman to qualify for the professional finals in the women’s brown-black belt category. She achieved the milestone defeating France’s Lina Grosset from School of Champs in the 55kg division.
“I am very proud to be the first Emirati woman to reach the final in the women’s brown /black belt division at this world championship,” said Alhosani. “This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our wise leadership and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. I eagerly look forward to the final, where I aim to win gold and stand on the podium.”
In the men’s 62kg men’s division, Al Ain Club’s Khaled Al Shehhi secured his place in the finals after defeating Ecuadorian Enrique Guerrero. “Reaching the final for the second consecutive year is a significant step in my career,” Al Shehhi said. “I’m determined to give my best performance and win the gold medal and the championship belt. Last year’s silver medal motivated me to improve my skills, refine my strategy, and work harder throughout the year. My goal tomorrow is to take gold.”
Meanwhile, Zayed Alkatheeri, representing Abu Dhabi Police Academy, also advanced to the finals. Alkatheeri, who made history in 2022 as the first Emirati to win gold in the black belt division, defeated Armenian Rafayel Kostanyan from Legacy Jiu-Jitsu Armenia.
“I’m thrilled with my performance today and excited about the opportunity to reclaim the title,” said Alkatheeri. “I’m confident in my abilities and ready to compete against one of the best athletes in the world. Tomorrow is my chance to showcase my skills and prove my progress.”
Elsewhere, Mohammed Alsuwaidi from Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Academy secured his place in the 69kg final after overcoming Brazilian Raimundo Sodre from Clube Feijao in semifinal. “I am so glad I made it to the finals in the black belt division. I’m really looking forward to the final tomorrow. I’ve done all the preparations right, so I am confident I will do my best to win the title,” Alsuwaidi said.
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