Fujairah, United Arab Emirates – The second round of the third edition of the Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship (Gida) concluded on Sunday at the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. The final day’s matches for the junior and under-12 categories also concluded.
Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club topped the medal table, while Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club came in second. Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club finished third, at the conclusion of a round that witnessed impressive technical levels and wide participation from young athletes.
Large audience turnout and promising indicators
The final day witnessed a large turnout of families and the general public, reflecting the growing interest in Jiu-Jitsu within Emirati society, particularly among younger age groups. Furthermore, the participating athletes demonstrated strong performances, remarkable discipline, and promising technical skills. This underscores the sound development trajectory of the sport in the UAE and reflects the significant investment being made in cultivating a new generation of champions.
Family support and its role in creating heroes
Families were also present in large numbers to support their children and share in their moments of triumph and achievement, in a scene that exemplified the importance of family support in developing athletes’ personalities and shaping their careers. This aligns with the “Supportive Family Award” initiative launched by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation as part of the annual Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards. It is worth noting that the award aims to strengthen the family’s role in supporting children both athletically and morally.
Prominent official presence
The competitions were attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the UAE Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation; His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Yamahi, Speaker of the Arab Parliament; and Dr. Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, President of the UAE Taekwondo Federation. Also present were His Excellency Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Her Excellency Dr. Asila Al Mualla, Director General of the Fujairah Environment Authority; His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Yamahi, Executive Director of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority; Ahmed Ibrahim Al Baloushi, CEO of Fujairah International Marine Sports Club; Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; and Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the Federation.
Al Dhaheri: The championship reflects the growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE
His Excellency Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri affirmed that the success of the second round of the championship reflects the continued growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE. He also noted that the championship contributes to building a strong base of players capable of representing the country in the future. He added that it highlights the importance of focusing on younger age groups as a true investment in the future.
He added that the continued increase in player and family participation embodies the wise leadership’s vision of supporting sports by providing a competitive environment that contributes to discovering and developing talent. Furthermore, the active family presence helps instill positive values in athletes.
Al-Yamahi: Championships enhance confidence and responsibility
For his part, His Excellency Nasser Mohammed Al Yamahi explained that these championships are of particular importance because they bring families together with their children in a sporting environment that contributes to building confidence and fostering a sense of responsibility. He also noted that the large turnout confirms families’ awareness of the importance of sports. He added that Jiu-Jitsu has become part of daily life for many in the UAE.
Al-Yamahi expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, for his continued support for sports, athletes and families.
Testimony of a crowned champion’s family
In a testament to the impact of sports on children’s development, Ibrahim Al-Dahouri, father of Al-Hanouf, a gold medalist in the 29 kg weight class at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, said his daughter has been practicing jiu-jitsu for about four years. He also noted that she regularly participates in tournaments alongside her younger sister, and has won several gold medals during this time.
He noted that the family chose this sport to boost her self-confidence and strengthen her character. He emphasized that her progress was evident in both her athletic and academic performances, particularly given her commitment to almost daily training and her great enjoyment of the sport.
A successful conclusion to a three-day tour
With the conclusion of the third day, the second round of the championship came to a close after three days of competition. This marked another milestone reflecting the continued growth of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE. It also demonstrated the success of efforts aimed at expanding participation, discovering talent, and preparing a promising generation of athletes for the future.
