Fujairah, UAE – Baniyas Club strengthened its lead during the second day of the second round of the third edition of the Khalid Bin Mohammed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship “Gi-Gi”. The competitions took place on Saturday at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, and included matches in the under-14 and under-16 categories for boys and girls.
A strong technical level reflects the quality of the preparation
The competitions showcased a high level of skill, reflecting the players’ ability to control the flow of the matches and their effective application of technical principles. This underscores the quality of the training programs adopted by clubs and academies to cultivate talent from a young age. Furthermore, these programs contribute to building a solid foundation that ensures their long-term development.
Official attendance and praise for building the future generation
The competitions were attended by a number of officials and dignitaries, including His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and His Excellency Saeed Abdullah Amer Al Nuaimi, Judge of the Federal Court in Fujairah. Also present were Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Mohammed Hussein Al Marzouqi, and Hamid Mohammed Bakheet Al Ketbi, members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Board of Directors. In addition, Mohammed Abdullah Al Dahani, Branch Manager of Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank in Fujairah, and Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the Federation, were in attendance.
Mohammed Hussein Al Marzouqi, a member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s board of directors, affirmed that the championship plays a pivotal role in preparing a new generation of athletes. This stems from a clear and long-term vision for developing the sport in the UAE. He also noted that the performances in these age groups reflect a genuine investment in the future. This investment is not limited to results alone, but also includes instilling values of commitment, discipline, and competitive spirit. Furthermore, it contributes to building the athlete’s character both on and off the mat.
Supporting families strengthens the path of heroes
Mona Al Mansouri, mother of 14-year-old Baniyas Club player Fatima Khalid Al Mansouri, pointed out that families don’t just watch their children from the stands, but are an integral part of their sporting journey. She also noted that the “Supporting Family Award” reflects appreciation for this role and encourages families to expand their involvement in supporting their children.
The awards ceremony on the second day also witnessed a remarkable family presence. Families shared in their children’s moments of achievement, a scene that reflected the depth of their connection to their athletic journeys. Furthermore, these families were keen to support their children throughout the season.
Champions speak out about the strength of the competition
In the under-14 category, Al Wasl Jiu-Jitsu Club player Sheikhan Saif, who won the gold medal in the 34 kg weight class, said the competitions were intense and fiercely contested. This required a high degree of concentration and a thorough understanding of each competitor’s style. He also explained that his family’s support was a crucial element in achieving this success. He further emphasized that the championship provides players with a genuine opportunity to test their abilities and improve from one round to the next.
The second round concludes tomorrow
The second round of competitions concludes tomorrow with matches in the junior and under-12 categories. This ongoing competition reflects the growing popularity of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE and demonstrates the sport’s continued growth within the sporting community.
