Latest news with #KhaledBinMohamedBinZayedJiu-JitsuChampionship


Gulf Today
29-06-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Baniyas maintain top spot at Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu championship
The Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continued its fourth round in full force on Saturday, as second day of the event saw intense competitions in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The event brought together top talent from across the UAE, with wide participation from clubs and academies and strong support from families and jiu-jitsu enthusiasts. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed the top spot in the overall standings, followed by Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in third. Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the championship continues to reinforce its role as a key driver for developing grassroots talent and promoting the country's national sport. More than 1,800 male and female athletes are taking part in the fourth round, which has drawn strong community engagement and attendance. Day 2 was attended by several dignitaries, including Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation; Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities; Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; and Mouza Obaid Al Nassri, Chief Executive Officer of the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development. Also in attendance were Mohamed Alhammadi, Head of Priority Banking Coverage at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank; Saed Hijazi Salameh, General Manager Sales, Jaguar Land Rover at Premier Motors; Badr Mohamed Al Alili, Director of Procurement; and Fayez Al Katheeri, Director of Facilities Management at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, alongside representatives from the UAEJJF, clubs, academies, and partners. Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri said, 'Jiu-jitsu is a national and community sport in every sense. This championship is well-organised and 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 high level of organisation shows how much the sport has grown in the UAE and how well it is received by the community.' Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri said: 'The championship is special because it bears a name that is very dear to everyone in the country. The decision by Sheikh Khaled to double the prize money made the players more ambitious and encouraged them to aim for top positions.' 'Jiu-jitsu gets strong support from the UAE leadership because it teaches important values and helps shape the character of young people. It has become a key part of sports in the UAE and plays an important role in developing the next generation. 'The championship is a big part of the federation's plan to build a strong base of young talent. The younger age groups are the foundation for producing future champions. The ranking system in the championship helps clubs compete and pushes them to improve and invest more in their athletes.' Among the day's standout performances, Baniyas athlete Salma Rashid Al Mansoori claimed gold in the Girls U14 -44 kg grey belt division. Her mother, Sarah Al Mansoori, said: 'This gold medal is the result of her hard work and focus. Winning in a tournament that carries such a respected name makes it more meaningful. We are also thankful to the leadership for increasing the prize money. It was a huge motivator.' Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club's Noura Nasser Al Ghilani, who won the Girls U16 -80 kg grey belt gold, added, 'This win means a lot to me and my team. Jiu-jitsu has given me so much: confidence, discipline, and a drive to succeed. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for the incredible support and promise to keep training hard to represent the UAE internationally.' Bouchaib Elidrissi of Morocco delivered an outstanding performance to claim the gold medal in the highly competitive Men's Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division. Representing the prestigious Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, Elidrissi showcased exceptional technical skill, experience, and composure during the bout. The championship concludes on Sunday with the Kids and Under-12 divisions, where another strong turnout is expected from the local jiu-jitsu community.


Gulf Today
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu C'ships' third round to begin on May 2
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced that the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship's third Round for Gi competitions will take place from May 2-4 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. The event will feature a wide range of competitors, starting with the youth (U-18), adults, and masters categories on the first day. The second day will see competitions for the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, while the championship will conclude on the third day with the Under-12 categories. The structure, involving all age groups, reflects the inclusive nature of the event and strengthens its position as a platform that nurtures emerging talent alongside professional athletes. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: 'The continuous successes achieved by the championship across its various rounds embody the vision of the wise leadership in supporting and developing the sport of jiu-jitsu. As we reach the third round of the second edition of the championship, we celebrate the high level of competition demonstrated by the athletes, which reflects the championship's position as a leading platform for honing skills and preparing future champions. 'Since its inception, the championship, which bears a name close to our hearts, has received sizable interest from various segments of the community, reflecting the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu in Emirati society. 'The championship also represents a unique opportunity for families to encourage their sons and daughters and enjoy an exciting sporting atmosphere. 'The tournament reflects the values of social cohesion, instils a culture of sports in society and contributes to building strong generations grounded in self-confidence, belonging and a sense of responsibility.' He also noted that the Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is more than just a sporting competition, it's a well-structured tournament with a competitive ranking system for athletes in place. This system enhances competition between clubs and academies, raises competitor efficiency, and provides incentives that drive interest in the tournament and intensify the competition for top rankings and the title. The Khaled Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a premier national tournament in the UAE established to nurture local talent and promote the sport of jiu-jitsu across the country. Launched in 2024 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the championship has quickly become a cornerstone of the UAE's sporting calendar. Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the championship spans multiple rounds held across various emirates, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. It features both Gi and No-Gi competitions, attracting athletes from youth to masters categories. The inaugural edition in 2024 saw participation from over 10,000 competitors, highlighting the event's significant impact on the national sports scene. The tournament serves as a vital platform for athletes to test their skills, gain competitive experience, and embody the core values of jiu-jitsu—discipline, resilience, and respect. It also plays a crucial role in community engagement, drawing families and fans together to support emerging talents. Sheikh Khaled's active involvement, including attending final rounds and awarding trophies, underscores the UAE leadership's commitment to sports development. His support aims to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for jiu-jitsu and to foster a generation of athletes who can excel on international stages. Recently, the second round of the Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2025, dedicated to No-Gi competitions, was held at Al Nasr Club in Dubai. The Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club emerged as the overall champion of the round, demonstrating depth, strength, and tactical excellence across its participating athletes. Securing second place was Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, followed by MOD Academy in third.