Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City was buzzing with excitement as the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup finals for Under-16 and Under-18 categories came to a close with a thrilling showdown of top-class talent. Fans from all over the country flocked to witness the action on the Ramadan evening, and they were not disappointed.
In the nail-biting finals of the Under-16 men’s category, Al Ain Club emerged victorious, defeating Al Wahda, who finished in the second position, and Al Jazira, who secured the third spot. The competition was intense, but Al Ain stayed focused and composed, ultimately securing their well-deserved victory.
In the Under-16 women’s division, Baniyas Club claimed the title, beating Al-Jazira, who finished as the runner-up, and Al-Ain, who took the third spot. The women’s matches were just as exciting, and Baniyas Club rose to the occasion and clinched the championship title.
Meanwhile, in the Under-18 division, Baniyas swept both the men’s and women’s categories, with Al Ain Club finishing as the runner-up in both divisions. Al Wahda secured the third position, but Baniyas was undoubtedly the star of the show, showcasing their dominance on the mat and claiming multiple titles.
Following the competitions, a ceremony crowning the winners of the title and the first three places for each category took place in the presence of several dignitaries, including: His Excellency Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), President of the Asian Ju-Jitsu Union and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAEJJF, and His Excellency HE Brigadier General Nasser Khadem Al Kaabi, Deputy Chairman of the Management Council of the Baniyas Sports and Cultural Club, HE Khuwaiter Saeed Al Dhaheri, Board Member of Al Ain Sports Games Club and Supervisor of Individual Games, and Asma Khadil, Member of the Board of Directors of Al Ain Sports Club Company.
HE Brigadier Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri congratulated the winners and stressed on the high level of the tournament and the strong performance of the players. He said, “The performance by the athletes today reflects the status and value of the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup and demonstrates the tremendous development of jiu-jitsu in the UAE. It also shows the great work of the clubs in cooperation with the federation in harnessing all the capabilities that laid the foundation for a solid base of qualified talents capable of making achievements.”
According to Al Dhaheri, the players’ success is due to a balanced training programme, commitment, and participation in tournaments with elite players. He also emphasised the federation’s efforts to develop tournaments for different age groups, aligned with their strategic vision to empower young players capable of representing the national team.
Regarding the great achievement of Baniyas Club and its career in the tournament, HE Brigadier General Nasser Khadem Al Kaabi expressed happiness. “The strong performance of Baniyas Club is credited to the continuous support of His Highness Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and President of Baniyas Sports and Cultural Club. Today’s achievement was the result of the unlimited support and close follow-up of the wise leadership that provided all requirements for success and excellence for the club.”
Jamila Al-Rasbi, a player from the Baniyas team, expressed her pride in contributing to her team’s achievement. She acknowledged that the fights were challenging, as all participating clubs gave special importance to the tournament in hopes of winning the championship. “We dedicate this achievement to our club and to our wise leadership, which invests in the development of the country’s daughters and sons by sparing no effort or expense.”
Mohammed Khaled Al-Awlaki, who won the Under-18 title with the Baniyas team, emphasised the importance of continuous work, training, and diligence in securing the precious title. “Our preparations for the championship were never normal. We witnessed the brilliance of the team over the past years, and we pledged to continue the successful march of the club by focusing and arming ourselves with the mentality of victory, which led to today’s feat. I want to thank the technical team, coaches, and club management who stood with us throughout the journey,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ahmed Saeed Al Shamsi expressed his joy at achieving the Under-16 title with Al Ain Club. He stressed that the players gave a distinguished performance and were able to climb the podium with all efficiency and competence. “We at Al Ain Club are satisfied with the first place win, and everyone who belongs to the club, including players, administrators, and affiliates, is armed with this culture that will enlighten our future path,” he added.
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