Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged champions at the highly anticipated jiu-jitsu competitions, which were held as part of the NAS Sports Tournament in Dubai. The event drew athletes from various clubs and academies, who competed in juvenile, adult, and masters’ divisions in both men’s and women’s categories. The competition was organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) in collaboration with Dubai Sports Council (DSC).
The tournament was an intense showdown of outstanding talent and exceptional techniques, as athletes put forth their best performances to clinch top honors. Al Ain dominated the competition, winning 17 medals including 6 gold, 5 silver, and 6 bronze across several categories. Their exceptional display of tactical prowess and technical skill was well-received by the raucous crowd, who cheered them on throughout the tournament.
Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club also displayed an impressive performance, taking second place and securing 16 medals with their remarkable display of fighting spirit and unrelenting passion. Sharjah Self Defence Club, which also demonstrated great spirit, finished third, earning 12 medals in different categories.
Friday’s competitions were attended by His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al-Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of UAEJJF, HE Youssef Al Batran, UAEJJF Board Member, HE Nasser Aman Al Rahma, Assistant Secretary General of DSC and Vice Chairman of the Organising Committee for the NAS Sports Tournament, Hasan Al Mazrouei, Tournament Director, Adel Al Bannai, Head of the Technical Committee, Saleh Abdulla Al Marzooqi, Chairman of the Executive Committee, and Thani Majid Sultan bin Suleiman, Director of Combat Games at Shabab Al Ahli Club.
“Today’s competitions marked strong element in the leading Ramadan tournament and attracted wide participation from various regions of the country which is in line with strategy of the UAEJJF,” said HE Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri. “The impressive turnout of elite stars from clubs and academies helped our athletes maintain high levels of physical fitness, get ready for the upcoming local and international events and enhance their experience on the mats.”
HE Nasser Aman Al Rahma, said the NAS Tournament is developing greatly year after year. “Jiu-jitsu is a major component of the NAS Tournament since it draws top athletes from different nationalities. The event’s planning committee is considering dedicating at least two days for jiu-jitsu competitions in the upcoming edition as a number of competitors and fans are requesting it.”
Meanwhile, Thani Majid Sultan bin Sulaiman commended the UAEJJF and Dubai Sports Council for organising the outstanding competitions in such a professional way. “Jiu-jitsu is now practiced in every home and is one of the most admired sports in the UAE. The UAEJJF is exerting exceptional efforts to advance the sport in a manner that can serve as a model for the development and fulfillment of objectives with efficiency and competence.”
Faisal Alwahedi of the Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club who won gold in Male / Blue & Purple / Juvenile / 73kg division said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take part in this amazing Ramadan evening event and to win gold. I appreciate the UAEJJF for providing us with this opportunity to keep honing our skills.”
Brigida Felipe, a Brazilian athlete, was in excellent form today and took home the gold medal in the Female / Brown & Black / Adult / 72kg division. “I never pass up the chance to compete in the UAEJJF championships, and I was among the first athletes to sign up for the event. I’m thrilled to have won the gold medal; it gives me a lot of inspiration to continue performing at the highest level,” she said.
Nivaldo Lima of Brazil’s Checkmat who bagged gold in the Male / Brown & Black / Master / 100kg class said: “I didn’t expect the competition to be this competitive. I would like to convey my appreciation for the event’s excellent planning by the organisers and the engagement of the fans. The zeal and excitement we saw at the stands were quite motivating for us.”
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