The AJP No-Gi Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2023, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), got off to a colourful start at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, on Saturday with the UAE’s Sharjah self-defence Sports Club taking home the most medals.
As the competitions for the Infant, Junior and Teen, Youth, Master 1 and Master 2 categories held on the first day of the event, A.F.N.T took the second place followed by Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. In country rankings, the UAE came on top while Brazil and Russia took second and third places respectively. Competitions for the Amateur and Professional divisions will be held on Sunday.
The competitions were attended by His Excellency Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAEJJF, Hasan Fardan Al Fardan, CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, Mansour Al Ketbi, Executive Director of Digital and Corporate Services at Mubadala Investment Company, and Tariq Al Bahri, Director General of the AJP.
“Athletes from more than 50 different nations participated in the competition. This suggests that, compared to past versions, the participation rate has increased,” said HE Al Dhaheri. “The event is held with high professionalism in keeping with Abu Dhabi’s status as the sport’s world capital, thanks to the efforts of the organising committee and partners.”
“The Abu Dhabi tournaments have risen to the top of the international sporting calendars and has made a significant contribution to the development of young athletes,” HE added.
Elsewhere, Hasan Fardan Al Fardan said: “As a company, we are proud to support the Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu championship event and contribute to the growth of this dynamic sport. It is an honor to have the opportunity to hand awards to the champions of the tournament, and we look forward to celebrating their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to excellence. Through our sponsorship, we hope to inspire the next generation of athletes and encourage the continued development of Jiu-Jitsu worldwide.”
Ahmed Al-Sada, father of player Mohamed Ahmed Al-Sada (16 years old), a blue belt from Al-Wehda Academy, confirmed the competition allows players to improve their combat skills and gain more experience through contact with various and seasoned trainers in the game.
“Although my son Muhammad has participated in a number of events in the past, this is his first time competing at the AJP No-Gi Abu Dhabi International Jiu-Jitsu Championship. It will teach him something new that will improve his career, which he hopes to end by serving his country and winning medals,” he said.
“I am happy and grateful for today’s accomplishment. I put in good training over the last few days, and I received the reward. I would want to express my gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the event organizers for hosting such a powerful event,” said Shakhrom Makhmurodov of Tajikistan who plays for Checkmat International. He won gold in Teen 62KG division.
In turn, Brazilian Gerson Carvalho, a black belt from Team Gerson Carvalho, who participated in the Master 1 category, said: “I am really thrilled to reach the final and reach the podium. Today I had a few tough fights where everyone wanted to win, which shows the competition’s vigor and prestige as well as the competitors’ talent.”
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