UAE champions raise their tally to 10 medals at Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour in London
13 Apr 2025 16:51
LONDON (WAM) The second day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour in London concluded Saturday night at the Copper Box Arena in the British capital.The event featured more than 700 male and female athletes from various countries competing in the Youth and Masters divisions, with a large audience in attendance who enthusiastically engaged with the high-level matches.UAE athletes delivered a remarkable performance on the second day, winning 7 additional medals — 5 gold and 2 silver—bringing the country's total medal count in the London leg to 10.The gold medalists included Salem Al Qubaisi and Ahmed Saeed Al Shamsi from Al Ain Club, Abdullah Andeaz and Al Anood Al Hameli from Al Jazira Club, and Abdullah Al Aqidi from Al Wahda Club. The silver medals were secured by Haroon Khouri from ADMA Academy and Ahmed Al Rashdi from Al Jazira Club.General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), Tareq Al Bahri, confirmed that this year's London leg marked the largest participation ever in the city since the tour's inception.He praised the technical level of the matches, the enthusiastic crowd, and the professional organisation, which included extensive TV coverage through 12 cameras inside the venue, alongside significant local and international media presence.Al Bahri noted that the championship is followed closely worldwide, with constant communication over the past two days with Abdulmunem Al Hashmi, President of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations and First Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who consistently ensures the implementation of the highest standards in organisation, refereeing, technical execution, and media coverage.He also confirmed ongoing efforts to further develop the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam from year to year, whether through increasing the number of tour stops or updating rules to minimise stalling and enhance the audience experience.Al Bahri added that registration is now open for the season finale of the 2024–2025 tour, set to take place in Abu Dhabi in mid-May.He noted significant interest from clubs and academies worldwide, prompting the consideration of extending the event from three to four days to accommodate growing participation.Since its launch in 2015, the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour has become one of the world's leading professional jiu-jitsu championships. It is organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP) with the goal of spreading the sport globally and providing a professional environment to discover and develop talent.The tour includes multiple stops in major international cities such as Tokyo, London, Rio de Janeiro, Miami, Rome, Sydney, Beijing, and Istanbul, with each season culminating in a final event in Abu Dhabi.
The results of the championship contribute to the AJP's official annual rankings and serve as a crucial platform for skill development, international experience, valuable prize money, and elite-level organisation that meets the highest global standards.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Int'l Cricket Council
2 days ago
- Int'l Cricket Council
Labuschagne: Test cricket ‘in a great place' ahead of showpiece at Lord's
Marnus Labuschagne believes Test cricket is in a 'great place' ahead of the ICC World Test Championship Final as his Australia side bid to defend their crown. The 30-year-old was part of the XI which defeated India by 209 runs at The Oval in 2023 to lift the trophy for the first time. They now take on South Africa, the country of Labuschagne's birth, at the conclusion of the third edition of a competition the batter feels has helped reinvigorate the game's oldest format. 'It is an exciting tournament,' he said. 'It means every Test you play has something on it, it brings all the countries into play, and anyone can make the final. 'It's exciting to play in, you're playing for a trophy at the end of a two-year cycle. I think it has worked great. Two years ago, when we beat India, it was awesome. 'I'm looking at it from a player's perspective and it looks like the game is in a great place. 'Every time Test cricket is on, people want to watch it. India, Australia and England are probably carrying a bit of the load of Test cricket, but we really want to see all the countries keep producing great players and being part of upholding such an amazing tradition of Test cricket.' Labuschagne has been a lock-in as part of Australia's top order since becoming Test cricket's first-ever concussion substitute at Lord's, the venue for the upcoming final, in the 2019 Ashes. After 14 Tests, his average stood at 63.43 and he spent six months as the world's top-ranked Test batter from December 2021. But runs have been harder to come by in recent times and he averages 28.33 in the current WTC cycle, with just one century. He made valuable contributions against India in the Australian summer, however, with scores of 64 in Adelaide and 70 and 72 in Melbourne, and has been acclimatising to British conditions during his latest stint with Glamorgan, which has become something of a second home. 'I love playing with the guys here, they are close friends, and I love the environment at the club,' he said. 'The benefit of having a relationship with the club for six years is that you have the perks of being able to call the director of cricket and say: 'this is what it looks like, is there a chance we can line this up'. 'Without that relationship, there might be some hesitancy, or you might not get someone in for two games. But that's the benefit of the long-term commitment I have shown over the last six years.' Labuschagne is not the only Australian impressing in the County Championship, with fit-again Cameron Green among the runs for Gloucestershire and all-rounder Beau Webster impressing with Warwickshire. 'I spoke to Greeny last week, he's going well,' Labuschagne said. 'I think he's just enjoying being back playing and being able to be on the park after being out for as long as he was. 'I haven't spoken too much to Beau but I'm sure we will reunite in the next week or so, get back on the golf course and have a bit of chat before we get ready for the final. 'It (county cricket) just stands you in good stead as you are out playing games, you are in that competitive mindset, and you get yourself in that headspace again. 'In a one-off game, to pull all that together and get it right in the first innings can feel like a lot to do. I personally prefer it to get a bit of preparation time in before a big game like this.' Green's return to fitness and form has given Australia's selectors a dilemma as to the make-up of their batting order, with speculation Labuschagne may be moved up to open from his usual spot at number three. Teenage opener Sam Konstas, who made a 52-ball half-century on debut against India in December, is also part of the travelling squad and Labuschagne is excited to see how the latest cab off the Australian rank develops. 'He is a very talented player, and we haven't seen the best of him by any stretch of the imagination,' he said. 'He's got time, and he is someone we are investing in. You can't ever predict what the future holds but he is a very good player who will have a very good career.' Australia last faced South Africa in a Test series in 2022-23, with the hosts running out 2-0 winners Down Under. The latest instalment has silverware on the line and Labuschagne is determined to leave London with his hands on it. 'South Africa have been a very good team in this cycle, on paper it's a well-balanced side and they have some really nice players,' he said. 'It will be a good challenge for us, and we are going to have to be on our game. 'Playing at Lord's is always special with the history and what is involved with playing there. It's going to be an awesome week and another great match.' ENDS
Al Etihad
7 days ago
- Al Etihad
Dubai Fitness Challenge to take place in November
2 June 2025 13:21 DUBAI (WAM)The organising committee of the Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) has announced that its ninth edition will take place from 1st to 30th November, coinciding with the 'Year of the Community'.The committee also unveiled a bold, refreshed brand identity, which celebrates its transformative impact on the city's health and wellbeing. The announcement was made at a special gathering held to thank the government entities, schools, corporate entities, partners, fitness establishments and local communities that have helped make the annual event a resounding Belhoul, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council and CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, began the ceremony with gratitude for every individual, organisation, government partner and stakeholder who has helped shape the success of DFC, noting that more than 13 million people have taken part over eight in 2017 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the DFC embodies his vision to transform Dubai into one of the world's most active by this visionary leadership, the initiative's ongoing success supports the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing the city's position as a global leader in both business and on the impact of DFC, he said, 'With 2025 declared the Year of Community in the UAE, I am confident that this year's edition will once again unite friends, families, and organisations in the shared pursuit of a healthier, more active lifestyle.'Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said the Dubai Fitness Challenge has played a key role in encouraging healthier lifestyles and advancing the D33 Agenda's vision of making Dubai the best place to live, work, and visit. He added that the initiative's refreshed brand reflects its dynamic spirit and ongoing impact, as it continues to enhance well-being and strengthen Dubai's global the refreshed brand, the 2025 highlight calendar was revealed, featuring 30 days of free and inclusive fitness events, fitness villages, community hubs, classes, and year's Challenge will feature a brand new flagship event: Dubai Yoga, which will bring the 30-day Challenge to a close with a sunset yoga session on 30th events include the Dubai Ride, presented by DP World on November 2; Dubai Stand-Up Paddle on November 8-9; and Dubai Run, presented by Mai Dubai, on November 2024 edition saw a record-breaking 2,735,158 participants - a 14 percent increase from 2023. Data from 2024 highlights DFC's lasting impact: 18 percent of participants reported improved physical fitness, 15 percent noted enhanced psychological wellbeing, and 14 percent experienced greater self-esteem and reduced anxiety.
Al Etihad
31-05-2025
- Al Etihad
Fatima bint Mubarak congratulates Sheikha Al Nowais on her election as UNWTO Secretary-General
31 May 2025 17:19 ABU DHABI (WAM) H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the 'Mother of the Nation', Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood (SCMC), and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF), congratulated Sheikha Nasser Al Nowais on her election as Secretary-General of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak affirmed that this achievement is the fruit of the UAE leadership's insightful vision in supporting and empowering Emirati women — a vision laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and carried forward by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him. This vision established a comprehensive and integrated approach that enhances women's capabilities and enables them to advance in various fields, proving their merit on international platforms.H.H. praised the pivotal role played by Emirati women across all domains, emphasising that this victory is not only a reflection of the UAE's successful strategy in optimally investing in women's potential, but also a true embodiment of the ambition and unwavering determination of Emirati women to serve their nation and humanity as a whole. Her Highness stressed that this milestone further strengthens the UAE's model of women's Fatima affirmed that the election of Sheikha Al Nowais as the first woman to hold this prestigious position marks a new milestone in the UAE's journey of achievements and reflects the growing international confidence in the excellence and capabilities of Emirati expressed her confidence in Sheikha Al Nowais's ability to drive transformative change in the global tourism sector in service of humanity and sustainable concluded by emphasising that Emirati women will continue to be essential partners in the comprehensive development journey and ambassadors of UAE values in international forums, carrying the message of a nation that places human empowerment at the heart of its developmental and civilisational aspirations. This historic win is an extension of the series of successes achieved by Emirati women at both regional and international levels. It reflects the increasing global recognition of the UAE's pioneering role in shaping the future and presenting inspiring female role models who contribute effectively to building a more sustainable, just, and progressive world.
