Sharjah Self-Defence and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club Take Lead at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship Opener
Abu Dhabi, November 8, 2024: The Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship got underway on Friday at Mubadala Arena as part of the 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, showcasing competitions for athletes aged 10 to 13.
The day saw fierce competition among emerging talents, with Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club securing first place in the boys’ division, followed by the Kazakhstan National Team in second and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. In the girls’ division, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed the top spot, with Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club and Commando Group taking second and third, respectively.
The championship attracted a wide range of international academies and clubs, reinforcing its position as a global platform that showcases elite talent, and underscoring its role in driving the growth of jiu-jitsu worldwide.
Today’s competitions were attended by H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; H.E. Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi; H.E. Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohamed 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; H.E. Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Customs; H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; H.E. Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of Emirates Steel Arkan (ESA); and H.E. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
H.E. Dr. Amna bint Abdullah Al Dahak stated, “It’s an honour to attend the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship and present the awards to the winners of an event that has become a symbol of sport and peace around the world. Our presence today reflects our belief in the role of sport in building a healthy society, and underscoring Abu Dhabi’s status as a global sporting hub that fosters values such as responsibility, perseverance, and determination among athletes.
“I applaud the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for its efforts in advancing the sport and for delivering an exceptional experience for both participants and fans. This championship plays a crucial role in discovering and nurturing talent with the potential for future success.”
H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran praised the strong performances of Emirati athletes and acknowledged the central role of local clubs and academies in preparing and training players to compete at the highest international levels, with world-class facilities and technical support. He noted that today’s competition results showcase this excellence and demonstrate that the country has a robust foundation of champions ready to continue achieving milestones. “The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship continues to contribute to elevating Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for the sport, offering a premier platform that draws top talent from around the world to compete for the sport’s most prestigious titles. We are pleased to see such broad international participation from clubs and academies worldwide, reflecting the championship’s status as a leading global sporting event. This international engagement reinforces our commitment to providing an outstanding competitive environment where elite athletes can confidently pursue their dreams,” added Al Batran.