H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, attended the 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and honoured the winners on Monday as the Masters category competitions kicked off with a bang at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. In an intense day of top-class jiu-jitsu action, Commando Group secured the top spot, with Kazakhstan National Team and A.F.N.T taking second and third places, respectively.
The 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, is taking place until 10 November, bringing together 7,000 male and female athletes from 127 countries.
Widely renowned for its fierce action, the Masters competitions drew in a huge global audience with Commando Group’s performance setting the bar for the event. Kazakhstan National Team and A.F.N.T demonstrated their prowess, establishing themselves as strong contenders, all while being cheered on by the vocal and enthusiastic crowd from around the world.
Beside the Crown Prince of Fujairah, the competitions were also attended by Sheikh Humaid bin Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi; Abdulmunem Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee; Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Nasser Al Tamimi, Secretary General of the UAE Judo Federation; Dr. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training; Saeed Ali Obaid Al Fazari, Executive Director of the Strategic Affairs Sector at Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi; Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination (ZHO); Khalid Ali Al Hosani, Vice President, Group General Services, (ADNOC); and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations.
Fahad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, praised the Masters athletes for their impressive performances. He said: “We are delighted that the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has successfully brought together elite Masters athletes from around the world. These athletes possess great talent and a wealth of experience acquired over decades of competing in major tournaments. I would like to congratulate the Emirati players who have competed against champions from various continents and won, especially Abdullah Al Suwaidi and Ahmed Al Musabi who won gold medals in today’s competitions 69 kg and 85 kg weight classes, respectively.”
He continued: “The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to meet its strategic objectives, attracting fans from around the world to the global Jiu-Jitsu Capital who get to enjoy its tourist amenities and watch their favorite sports competitions at the Mubadala Arena.”
Nasser Al Tamimi, Secretary General of the UAE Judo Federation, emphasised that the Championship, now in its 15th edition, continues to solidify its status as one of the largest events on the global jiu-jitsu calendar. He said: “Year after year, the championship plays a crucial role in nurturing and developing a new generation of emerging Emirati and international talents. The eagerness of fans from all over the world for this event is clearly demonstrated by the packed stands and the unprecedented enthusiasm from supporters both from the UAE and the world.”
Al Tamimi hailed the efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, under the guidance and support of the wise leadership, which has propelled the Championships in Abu Dhabi to the highest international ranks, making it a dream destination for the best players in the world.
Igor Ferreira, the coach of Gracie Barra club, said he is very excited to be part of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. He commented: “It’s the first time that I participate in the Championship. I have been planning for my participation, but it got delayed for some reason or the other. I am glad that I could make it finally.”
He added: “I have been a part of many AJP events held in Brazil. I have heard a lot about Abu Dhabi and the amazing work done here to promote jiu-jitsu and international athletes and coaches. It's incredible, and all I want to say is thank you, Abu Dhabi, and thank you, UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.”
Australian Rafael Damiani, representing Life BJJ club, scooped gold in the Men's Gi/Purple/ Master 4/120kg division. He said: “I've always dreamt of this achievement , as the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is very significant for athletes worldwide to improve their sports careers and win prizes. Being here every year is a special experience because the tournament brings jiu-jitsu fans from all over the world together. It gives me the chance to compete with top players and make new friends who share the same passion and love for the sport.”
UAE’s Abdalla Alsuwaidi, representing A.F.N.T, captured gold in the Men’s Gi / Purple / Master 2 / 69kg division. He said: “I've come a long way in my training, putting in relentless effort to achieve what I have today. I'm grateful to have won the medal. I extend my heartfelt thanks to our wise leadership for their unwavering support of athletes, as well as the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their invaluable contributions. I also want to express my gratitude to my family and friends, who have been my strongest supporters from the very beginning until today.”
Ema Janahi of Elements JJ Bahrain won gold in the Women's Gi / Blue / Master 1 / 49kg division said: “I did everything in my power to ensure winning the title in this tournament. The gold medal is the ultimate reward for my hard work, and achieving it in Abu Dhabi, the global hub of jiu-jitsu, is a truly special accomplishment.”
The Masters competition will continue tomorrow, with the brown and blackbelt Masters taking to the mats. Professional categories will compete on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Interestingly, the championship organising committee offers the public the opportunity to enter a daily draw to win two iPads, as well as enter the grand prize drawing of a Ford Bronco car on the last day of the Championship
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