Chengdu, China – The national jiu-jitsu team won three medals on the second day of the Chengdu 2025 World Games, held in the People’s Republic of China.
Emirati star Saeed Al Kubaisi shone by winning the gold medal in the under 85 kg weight class. This came after strong fights against champions from Portugal, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. Mahdi Al Awlaqi also won the silver medal in the under 77 kg weight class. Meanwhile, Mohammed Al Suwaidi won the silver medal in the under 69 kg weight class.
The World Games are an exceptional platform for non-Olympic sports. The 12th edition of the Games, currently being held in China, is being attended by approximately 5,000 athletes. These athletes come from 118 countries and compete in 34 events, making it one of the most prominent international sporting events.
The UAE achieves success on all occasions.
His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized that the sport of jiu-jitsu in the UAE has proven its excellence and ability to achieve success on all occasions. This is particularly true in light of its sustained growth and development. Also, the achievements of the national team champions at the continental and international levels are impressive.
Al Dhaheri said: “Our national team’s champions have always impressed their fans with their remarkable achievements in all regional and international arenas. The significance of this accomplishment is heightened in this tournament due to the participation of elite, ranked athletes from around the world. This achievement is the fruit of the efforts and initiatives led by the federation. These initiatives prepare and equip players to the highest standards.”
Emirati champion Saeed Al Kubaisi said, “I entered the tournament confident in my ability to win the gold medal, as this is a natural result of the tremendous effort and intensive training we have put in over the past period. I would like to thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for all the support they have provided us. This support has helped us reach this advanced stage. We have succeeded in leaving our mark in a global championship of this magnitude.”
For his part, Mahdi Al-Awlaqi said: “The final fight was tough, but I didn’t give up and kept pushing until the last second. My ambition was gold. I’m happy to have won silver in this important tournament. The best is definitely yet to come.”
The national team champions will continue their fights tomorrow in the open weight category. Mahdi Al-Awlaqi, Saeed Al-Kubaisi, and Mohammed Al-Suwaidi will compete in the men’s category. Meanwhile, Asma Al-Hosani, Shamsa Al-Amri, and Shamma Al-Kalbani will compete in the women’s category.
