Latest news with #AlAinClub
Al Etihad
14-04-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
UAE champions conclude Abu Dhabi Grand Slam London with 24 medals
14 Apr 2025 15:26 ABU DHABI (WAM)UAE champions delivered an impressive performance on the final day of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship in London, which concluded on Sunday at the Copper Box Arena. The national team secured 14 additional medals — including nine gold, one silver, and four bronze — raising the UAE delegation's total tally to 24 medals and reaffirming the country's global leadership in the sport of final day of the championship was dedicated to the professional division, with standout gold medal victories by Obaid Al Ketbi (Al Ain Club), 56kg, purple belt; Harib Al Hammadi (Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club), 62kg, purple belt; Fahad Al Hammadi (Baniyas Club), 77kg, purple belt; Mahdi Al Awlaqi (Baniyas Club), 85kg, purple belt; Rashed Al Shehhi (Al Ain Club), 56kg, brown belt; Mayed Al Shehhi (Baniyas Club), 62kg, brown belt; Omar Al Suwaidi (Al Wahda Club), 56kg, black belt; Khaled Al Shehhi (Al Ain Club), 62kg, black belt; and Shamma Al Kalbani (ADMA Academy), 62kg, purple silver medal was earned by Sultan Hassan (Baniyas Club), 69kg, purple medals went to Sultan Jabr (Al Wahda Club), 69kg, brown belt; Zayed Al Shamsi (Al Wahda Club), 56kg, brown belt; Jassim Al Hosani (Al Wahda Club), 120kg; and Faraj Al Awlaqi (Baniyas Club), 94kg, purple London leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Tour, organised by the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), is regarded as one of the most prestigious stops in the global year's edition attracted more than 1,500 athletes from 72 countries, who competed across three action-packed days — a testament to the tournament's international reputation and elite level of Abu Dhabi Grand Slam serves as a global platform for top jiu-jitsu athletes and awards crucial ranking points that contribute toward qualification for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu event also reinforces the UAE's standing as a global hub for the sport, offering athletes worldwide an opportunity to gain experience through high-level professional matches governed by world-class standards in refereeing, organisation, and media Yoshi Kurimori, a member of the AJP Tour's organising team in Europe, stated, "This has been an outstanding experience for jiu-jitsu in Europe. AJP continues to elevate the sport globally. The London event featured intense matchups with top-ranked athletes, and we're proud of the success it achieved in terms of both organisation and performance." "We're already working to increase participation next season — and we're confident we can do it. We've grown to become the largest and most successful jiu-jitsu organisers in Europe, with over 67 events annually, and we aim to increase that to 120 in the coming years, potentially adding Portugal as a new stop," Kurimori added.
Gulf Insider
17-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Insider
Bahrain's Boxing Rise Begins With Davis
Bahrain's boxing team is steadily carving a path forward, with their next proving ground set for April 18 at the Kingdom's fourth outdoor licensed event. Fresh off a plucky performance at the Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship-where Ali Khaled Bakhlaf clinched gold-the squad is poised to take the ring on home soil. This event isn't about flash; it's a chance for Bahrain to keep pushing forward in the regional boxing scene. Tony Davis Lifts the Lid Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain coach Tony Davis peeled back the layers on Al Ain and the journey ahead. 'We sent three fighters over-logistics cut our roster in half, but they were ready for the challenge,' he said, setting the scene. 'Some of our boxers went with the club instead of the national team, which is a pity, but that's a story for another day.' Breaking down the bouts, Davis recalled, 'Young Fahad faced a Russian kid boxing for an Emirati club-went the distance but dropped a tight split decision. Then there's his brother Abdullah, who took down the most experienced Emirati at 71 kilos. I've watched that guy, a soldier, compete at World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. Abdullah scored a knockdown too-not even his usual weight; he's a 67-kilo fighter, but Al Ain's categories forced the shift.' Ahmed's story took a twist: 'He was cruising through two rounds, then sickness hit hard-he was vomiting in the corner, and the ref had to call it.' Davis isn't lingering on setbacks; he's already plotting the next move. 'I'm drafting a request now for a European tournament with the full team. It's all about stacking up international rounds.' His words carry the weight of a man who sees the bigger picture, steering a program with untapped potential. Steady Gains in Al Ain The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship closed out March 11 at the Al Ain Club sports hall in the UAE, with 122 fighters from six nations slugging it out. Ali Khaled Bakhlaf emerged as Bahrain's beacon, claiming the 63.5kg elite men's title. Against Anatoli Gregoryan, he showed crisp footwork and pinpoint punches, locking in gold and turning heads. The rest of the lineup -Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth prospect Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg)-held their own. Al Ain Club walked away with the overall title, but Bahrain's haul signaled a team on the rise. Davis' take -'They were prepared adequately enough'-highlighted a squad that punched above its weight, even shorthanded. April 18 Takes Shape The April 18 event-Bahrain's seventh domestic outing and fifth at the Dilmun Club-is shaping up to be huge for local Boxing. It's pulling in fighters from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Emirates, alongside a crowd blending locals and expats. Davis painted a vivid picture: 'This is our seventh event in the domestic series, fifth at Dilmun-the other two were at a table tennis hall by the national stadium and a school in Rifa. It's a strong setup, one of Dilmun's bigger nights.' He sees its broader impact: 'What's great is we can stage these without straining state finances. It's an avenue that's turned into one of the club's most popular draws.' Ambition runs high-'We're aiming for this to be one of our best yet,' he said. 'We've had former world champs in that ring working pads, showing their stuff, even if the crowd didn't always clock who they were.' Davis is hands-on: 'Locals register, and I pair them up by the book-some don't get it, but I make sure no one's getting hurt. It's a sport, not a brawl.' The event's reach is widening-'Boxers from Saudi, Kuwait, and the Emirates are taking part', and it's a community affair too: 'Expats and locals mix, bring their kids-there's plenty for them to do. Might even spark a future fighter or two. It's about preparation and bringing people together.' This isn't just a fight card; it's a foundation being laid. Step by Step Forward Bahrain's boxing program is finding its rhythm. Bakhlaf's precision win and Abdullah's upset in Al Ain-against a seasoned pro, no less-hint at a squad with real promise. The April 18 event is the next marker-nothing overblown, just a chance to sharpen their craft. Davis guides with a steady hand, balancing safety and growth, while eyeing Europe to broaden their horizons. Interest is brewing across the Gulf, and with every carefully matched bout, Bahrain edges closer to something lasting. This is a team building its story, round by round. Also read: MPs To Dicuss 20% Cut In Housing Loan Interest To Ease Burden On Borrowers
Daily Tribune
16-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
From Al Ain to April: Bahrain's Boxing Rise Begins with Davis
Bahrain's boxing team is steadily carving a path forward, with their next proving ground set for April 18 at the Kingdom's fourth outdoor licensed event. Fresh off a plucky performance at the Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship—where Ali Khaled Bakhlaf clinched gold—the squad is poised to take the ring on home soil. This event isn't about flash; it's a chance for Bahrain to keep pushing forward in the regional boxing scene. Tony Davis Lifts the Lid Speaking exclusively to The Daily Tribune, Bahrain coach Tony Davis peeled back the layers on Al Ain and the journey ahead. 'We sent three fighters over—logistics cut our roster in half, but they were ready for the challenge,' he said, setting the scene. 'Some of our boxers went with the club instead of the national team, which is a pity, but that's a story for another day.' Breaking down the bouts, Davis recalled, 'Young Fahad faced a Russian kid boxing for an Emirati club—went the distance but dropped a tight split decision. Then there's his brother Abdullah, who took down the most experienced Emirati at 71 kilos. I've watched that guy, a soldier, compete at World Championships, Asian Games, and Asian Championships. Abdullah scored a knockdown too—not even his usual weight; he's a 67-kilo fighter, but Al Ain's categories forced the shift.' Ahmed's story took a twist: 'He was cruising through two rounds, then sickness hit hard—he was vomiting in the corner, and the ref had to call it.' Davis isn't lingering on setbacks; he's already plotting the next move. 'I'm drafting a request now for a European tournament with the full team. It's all about stacking up international rounds.' His words carry the weight of a man who sees the bigger picture, steering a program with untapped potential. Steady Gains in Al Ain The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship closed out March 11 at the Al Ain Club sports hall in the UAE, with 122 fighters from six nations slugging it out. Ali Khaled Bakhlaf emerged as Bahrain's beacon, claiming the 63.5kg elite men's title. Against Anatoli Gregoryan, he showed crisp footwork and pinpoint punches, locking in gold and turning heads. The rest of the lineup—Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth prospect Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg)—held their own. Al Ain Club walked away with the overall title, but Bahrain's haul signaled a team on the rise. Davis' take—'They were prepared adequately enough'—highlighted a squad that punched above its weight, even shorthanded. April 18 Takes Shape The April 18 event—Bahrain's seventh domestic outing and fifth at the Dilmun Club—is shaping up to be huge for local Boxing. It's pulling in fighters from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the Emirates, alongside a crowd blending locals and expats. Davis painted a vivid picture: 'This is our seventh event in the domestic series, fifth at Dilmun—the other two were at a table tennis hall by the national stadium and a school in Rifa. It's a strong setup, one of Dilmun's bigger nights.' He sees its broader impact: 'What's great is we can stage these without straining state finances. It's an avenue that's turned into one of the club's most popular draws.' Ambition runs high—'We're aiming for this to be one of our best yet,' he said. 'We've had former world champs in that ring working pads, showing their stuff, even if the crowd didn't always clock who they were.' Davis is hands-on: 'Locals register, and I pair them up by the book—some don't get it, but I make sure no one's getting hurt. It's a sport, not a brawl.' The event's reach is widening—'Boxers from Saudi, Kuwait, and the Emirates are taking part', and it's a community affair too: 'Expats and locals mix, bring their kids—there's plenty for them to do. Might even spark a future fighter or two. It's about preparation and bringing people together.' This isn't just a fight card; it's a foundation being laid. Step by Step Forward Bahrain's boxing program is finding its rhythm. Bakhlaf's precision win and Abdullah's upset in Al Ain—against a seasoned pro, no less—hint at a squad with real promise. The April 18 event is the next marker—nothing overblown, just a chance to sharpen their craft. Davis guides with a steady hand, balancing safety and growth, while eyeing Europe to broaden their horizons. Interest is brewing across the Gulf, and with every carefully matched bout, Bahrain edges closer to something lasting. This is a team building its story, round by round.
Daily Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Bahraini Boxers Impress at Al Ain Ramadan Championship
A Golden Night for Bahrain The Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship drew to a close on March 11 with Bahrain's pugilists etching their names into the event's history. Staged in the sports hall of Al Ain Club, UAE, under the esteemed patronage of Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, the tournament welcomed 122 athletes from six nations. Leading Bahrain's charge was Ali Khaled Bakhlaf of JD Bahrain Club, who clinched gold in the 63.5kg elite men's division with a ruthless performance against Anatoli Gregoryan. For a nation steadily building its boxing credentials, this win highlighted Bahrain's growing influence in the sport. Bakhlaf's Mastery and Bahrain's Contingent Ali Khaled Bakhlaf's victory was a study in ring generalship. Facing Gregoryan, he showed impeccable timing and footwork, weaving through his opponent's defences to land precise, punishing blows. His gold in the 63.5kg category capped a standout tournament for Bahrain, whose delegation departed the Kingdom on March 9 with high hopes. Alongside Bakhlaf, the team—coached by Fethi Missaoui and Mohamed Naseem—included Fahad Saleh Abdullah (60kg elite), Abdullah Saleh Alabdullah (71kg elite), Rasheed Wahid Ali (80kg elite), and youth fighter Ahmed Hany Attia (60kg). While Bakhlaf's podium finish stole the headlines, the collective effort of this squad, representing Bahrain against elite and youth competition from Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, Iran, and the UAE, spoke volumes of their preparation and ambition. Al Ain impress on home turf Al Ain Club emerged as the overall champions, hoisting the trophy after three days of fierce exchanges, with Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai and Fujairah Martial Arts Club securing second and third places respectively. Organised by the Al Ain Ramadan Tournament Organizing Committee in partnership with the UAE Boxing Federation, the event featured 17 local clubs, six GCC teams, and Iranian contenders. Notable performances included Yousri Rizq's dominant +92kg win and Lin Tarek Al Sheikh's captivating 54kg women's victory, both adding depth to a competition that showcased the region's finest. Yet, Bahrain's golden moment through Bakhlaf provided a poignant highlight, amplifying the Kingdom's presence on the regional stage. Next stop: Bahrain's Open-Air Spectacle With the Al Ain success still resonating, attention now turns to April 18, when Bahrain will host its fourth outdoor licensed boxing event. This open-air showcase promises to elevate the Kingdom's boxing profile further, offering a platform for talents like Bakhlaf and his teammates to dazzle under the stars. Following the intensity of the Ramadan Championship—where every punch carried the weight of national pride—this forthcoming event is poised to draw a fervent crowd. For Bahrain's boxing fraternity, it's a chance to build on their momentum, blending skill and spectacle in a setting that's becoming a cherished tradition.
Gulf Today
11-03-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Al Ain finish on top at Al Ain Ramadan Boxing Championship
The Ramadan Boxing Championship concluded successfully this week as part of the Al Ain Sports Tournament. The event was hosted in the sports hall of Al Ain Club and was held under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Saeed Bin Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Al Nahyan. The championship saw significant participation with 122 male and female athletes, both local and international, representing six Arab and foreign countries. The tournament was organized by the Al Ain Ramadan Tournament Organizing Committee in collaboration with the UAE Boxing Federation. The winners were crowned by Dr. Ahmed Salem Bin Sudin, Chairman of the Emirates Association for the Care and Welfare of Parents, in the presence of Nasreen Ali Bin Darwish, Tournament Director, Omar Al Jabri, Board Member of the UAE Boxing Federation, Sultan Al Harami, Acting Head of the Technical Committee, Mohamed Al Shibli, National Teams Technical Director, and other notable figures. The opening ceremony was attended by Anas Al Otaiba, President of the UAE Boxing Federation, along with federation members Hassan Al Hammadi, Secretary-General, and Omar Al Kindi, while the closing ceremony was attended by Ali Salama, Federation Technical Secretary, and Bassam Ghanem, Assistant Technical Secretary, along with a large audience of fans and players' families. A total of 17 local clubs and training centers participated, alongside six GCC clubs, as well as athletes from Iran. After three days of competition, Al Ain Club won the first place and championship trophy, while Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai claimed second place and Fujairah Martial Arts Club secured third spot. Otaiba, expressed his gratitude for the remarkable participation in the first edition of the tournament during the Holy Month of Ramadan. He particularly praised the presence of top Arab boxing stars and international athletes. Otaiba extended his thanks to Sheikh Dr Saeed Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan for his sponsorship and to the organizing committee, led by Nasreen Ali Bin Darwish, for their efforts. He confirmed that the federation would continue to provide technical and logistical support for such tournaments that benefit the sport and its practitioners. Nasreen praised the success of the championship, despite it being the first edition during Ramadan. She was pleased with the cooperation from the UAE Boxing Federation under Otaiba's leadership. She also mentioned the participation of UAE national team athletes and international players from five countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Iraq, and Iran. She thanked Sheikh Dr. Saeed for his support, and acknowledged the efforts of Mohamed Moshbash Al Shibli, the federation's technical director, and the event's referees. She emphasized that the success of this tournament encouraged the idea of making it an annual event during the holy month of Ramadan. Mohammed Al Zahmi, the pride of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, competing in the 51 kg category clinched gold with a win over Ghanem Abdullah Salem of Badi Classic Center. In the 57 kg division, Idris Tarek Mohammed Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai secured gold against Nawaf Khamees of Fujairah Martial Arts Club. The 60 kg category saw Yusuf Ashish of Jordan Police Club battle fiercely against Eric Arsamian from Rocky Road Boxing Club Dubai. Ashish's endurance and tactical brilliance shone through as he claimed gold in a closely contested fight. Ali Khaled Bakhlaf of JD Bahrain Club delivered a masterful performance in the 63.5 kg division, overcoming Anatoli Gregoryan. The 71 kg division witnessed a war between Omar Abdulaziz of Badi Classic Abu Dhabi and Majed Wael Haj Issa of Mike Tyson Club, Saudi Arabia. Abdulaziz's superior footwork and counterpunching secured him the top podium spot. Ali Amro Ahmed of Al Ain Club displayed his exceptional technique in the 75 kg category, outmatching Sina Sodi of Sticky Center, Iran, to claim gold. His dominance in the ring was a testament to his preparation and skill. Khaled Al Kurdi of Rocky Road Boxing club Dubai proved his mettle in the 80 kg class, overpowering Majd Moataz Al Safadi of Mike Tyson Club, Saudi Arabia, to win gold, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier competitor. In the +92 kg category, Yousri Rizq of Al Ain Club showcased raw power and technical prowess, securing victory over Sam Esteki of Sticky Center, Iran. Rizq's performance left an undeniable mark on the championship. The tournament was not just about the men's competitions; the women fighters also delivered performances worthy of the highest accolades. In the 54 kg category, Lin Tarek Al Sheikh of Mike Tyson Club, Saudi Arabia, showcased exceptional power and precision, overpowering her opponent, Jawaher Garab of Fujairah Martial Arts Club. Their fight was one of courage and determination, earning a standing ovation from the audience. Perhaps the most gripping moment of the night came in the +92 kg men's division, where Orkhan Agayev of Rocky Road Center squared off against Bassel Al Mowjda from Al Ain Club. With each round, the atmosphere grew electric, the clash of titans sending shockwaves through the stadium. In the end, Agayev's sheer dominance secured him the gold, his name now etched among the greats of the competition.
