IMMAF Youth World Championships kick off on Monday in Al Ain
AL AIN (WAM)The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships is set to begin on Monday at Al Ain for the very first time.Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the event will run from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain.More than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships' history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years).The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year's success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 medals.Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE's growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth.'The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment, and cultural exchange.
'The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes' capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,' Al Hosani added.
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Day five of the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Friday marked the start of the Youth A (16–17 years) category, widely regarded as the most competitive and technically advanced division of the event. The day featured intense matchups between top athletes from around the world, delivering high-level performances at ADNEC Centre Al Ain in front of an energetic crowd. The UAE raised its medal tally to 12, including one gold, two silver, and nine bronze. The championship, held in Al Ain until July 27, is organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of the Events and Activities Section at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: 'Starting the Youth A category is an important part of the championship, where the athletes' ambition is matched by their advanced skills. We are proud of how well the event is organised and the positive impact it has on both sport and the community. Holding the sixth edition in Al Ain shows our commitment to growing the sport and involving more people. The strong support from our leadership is a big reason for this success and helps the UAE stay a key player in the world of mixed martial arts.' Akef Mumtaz Siddiqui, father of Ayan Akef, who won bronze for India in the Youth A (56 kg) category, said: 'I'm glad my son won a medal today. It's a great moment for us, and we've really enjoyed being here in Al Ain. The venue is excellent, the organisation has been great, and everything feels truly professional and international. I'm happy we came and that my son could make it to the podium. We were aiming for gold, inshallah next time.' This year's edition has seen a noticeable increase in both the number of participating countries and athletes, earning widespread international praise for its organisation. Hosting the event in the Al Ain region has also enhanced community engagement and highlighted the city's cultural and tourism appeal, adding value to the overall championship experience. The Youth A competition continues on Saturday, with national teams aiming to improve their standings ahead of the championship's conclusion on Sunday. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Tajikistan remain among the top contenders on the medal table.
