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Khaleej Times
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Salma Al Mansoori and Noura Al Ghilani steal Jiu-Jitsu spotlight at Mubadala Arena
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship delivered another thrilling chapter at Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Arena this weekend, as the spotlight turned to the sport's rising stars in the Under-14 and Under-16 divisions. With the stands packed with passionate supporters, the competition on the mats was fierce as the event continued to build momentum, serving as a key proving ground for the UAE's next generation of champions. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, champions of the Mother of the Nation Jiu‑Jitsu Cup in March across women's and youth divisions, tightened its grip at the top of the leaderboard, while Al Jazira and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Clubs were in close pursuit in second and third place. The championship, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), which was officially established in November 2012 under the directive of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has quickly become a pivotal stage for discovering and developing young talent from across the country. More than 1,800 boys and girls are currently competing at the Mubadala Arena, making it one of the most well-attended grassroots sporting events on the national calendar. While dignitaries and guests it it was the athletes on the mats who commanded the spotlight, and none more so than the rising talents from Baniyas and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Clubs. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in particular extended its dominance with a wave of impressive performances, most notably by Salma Rashid Al Mansoori, who clinched gold in the fiercely contested Girls U14 -44kg grey belt division. Her victory wasn't just another medal, it was a symbol of months of demanding training and total dedication. 'This gold medal is the result of her hard work and focus,' said her proud mother, Sarah Al Mansoori, watching her daughter shine on one of the sport's biggest local stages. '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.' Salma's win capped off a strong day for Baniyas, who continued to set the tone across divisions and looked increasingly difficult to dislodge at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Al Jazira Club's Noura Nasser Al Ghilani left a lasting impression of her own. She powered through the Girls U16 -80kg grey belt category to secure gold, showcasing both technical skill and mental toughness. 'This win means a lot to me and my team,' said Noura. 'Jiu-jitsu has given me so much: confidence, discipline, and a drive to succeed. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their incredible support and promise to keep training hard to represent the UAE internationally.' These personal milestones not only reflect the level of competition at the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship but also highlight the growing depth of talent within the UAE's grassroots jiu-jitsu scene. 'Jiu-jitsu is a national and community sport in every sense,' said Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. 'This championship is well-organised and held under the patronage of 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,' Al Dhaheri added. The championship's appeal has been further boosted by the decision to double the prize pool this year, a move welcomed by athletes and clubs alike.
Arab News
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Baniyas extends lead on Day 2 of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
ABU DHABI: The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship continued its fourth round on Saturday, as Day 2 saw competitions in the U-14 and U-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. Mohammed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commented: 'The championship is special because it bears a name that is very dear to everyone in the country. The decision by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed 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,' he added. '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 U-14 -44 kg gray 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 U-16 -80 kg gray belt gold, said: '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.' The championship concludes on Sunday with the Kids and U-12 divisions, where another strong turnout is expected from the local jiu-jitsu community.
Al Etihad
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Rouda Alserkal makes history as first Emirati Woman Grandmaster in chess
31 Mar 2025 23:04 KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)For long, the UAE has had one flag-bearer in chess. But now, it has two. Joining Salem AR Saleh in the Grandmaster (GM) category is Rouda Alserkal, who has become the first Woman Grandmaster (WGM) of the UAE and the Gulf region at prodigious talent has represented the national team across age categories as well as at the Abu Dhabi Chess Club & Mind Games. Although she achieved the title after winning the Arab Women's Championship – held in November at the Sharjah Chess and Cultural Club - the world governing body FIDE issued the certificate certificate, seen by Aletihad, is signed by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and says: "FIDE is pleased to confirm herewith that Rouda Essa Alserkal (ID: 9314318) of the United Arab Emirates has obtained the title of Woman Grandmaster in the year 2025."With this, the UAE has its second GM after Saleh, who incidentally achieved his GM status in 2009, the year Alserkal was born."Winning the Grandmaster norm feels amazing," Rouda said."I was so happy and honestly a bit relieved because all the hard work and training finally paid off, it was one of those moments where it takes a little while to sink in, and I just sat there thinking about how far I'd come."Personally, it felt like a huge achievement, that all the effort was worth it. For women's chess in the UAE, it meant a lot too, I hope it shows other girls that they can reach for big goals in chess. It's all about believing in yourself and working hard," she is now looking forward to competing in the Asian Individual Chess Championship in Abu Dhabi from May 6 to 15. She said that receiving the WGM title is a strong motivation for the UAE to achieve global recognition in expressed gratitude to Her Highness 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, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF).On behalf of the UAE Chess Federation, the chairperson of the women's committee, Kholood Al Zarouni, thanked the sports ministry, the National Olympic Committee, the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and the Abu Dhabi Chess and Mind Games Club for their cooperation in developing the sport and players across emphasised that this achievement is a boost for women's chess and opens the door to more international titles, while motivating young players to continue training and participating in the Highlights· Won the 2014 Asian Championship Under-6 title· Won U20 title at the UAE Championship at the age of eight· 2017 World Cadets Championship in U8· World Schools U9 crown in 2018· Bronze medal in the 2023 Asian Youth U-14 category · Arab Women's Champion (multiple times)
Khaleej Times
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
This Week in Golf: Clutch Pro Tour tees off in UAE as global golf action heats up
The Clutch Pro Tour makes its highly anticipated UAE debut this week with the UAE Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club. Running from Tuesday, March 18 to Thursday, March 20, 2025. Tthe tournament offers a £50,000 prize fund (approx AED 238,000) and a golden opportunity for the winner who will earn an invite to next month's HotelPlanner Tour event (formerly the Challenge Tour), also in Al Ain. As a tour aligned with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), the Clutch Pro Tour continues to strengthen pathways for rising talent, providing a crucial stepping stone for golfers with big aspirations. Spotlight on the PGA Tour Over in the U.S., the PGA Tour heads to Palm Harbor, Florida, for the Valspar Championship at Innisbrook Resort's Copperhead Course. Quick question - how many of us know what Valspar does as a business? I'll admit, after years of following this event, I only recently discovered they sell paint. Yes, paint! Valspar has been the title sponsor since 2013 - 12 years of branding, yet I wonder how many fans truly connect the name to its industry. It raises an interesting point: How well do title sponsors in golf—and other sports—engage with audiences beyond their core B2B market. Could they do more? Should tournament promoters and broadcasters help strengthen the connection? Or is it enough for sponsors to focus on their corporate hospitality and programs? Maybe I'm overthinking it. After all, I'm just a sportswriter, not a sports promoter! The Calm Before the Storm This time of year always feels like the calm before the storm in professional golf. Fields across the main tours might not be at their strongest, but that opens doors for rising players to make a name for themselves. Every tournament is an opportunity - for someone, this could be the week that changes their career. As journalists, we thrive on these moments. The underdog stories, the breakthrough performances, the struggles and triumphs - all part of the human drama that makes sport so compelling. And that's why every tournament matters. The next big star could be teeing it up right now, somewhere in golf's global pyramid. So sit back and enjoy this week's action! This Week's Key Golf Tournaments PGA Tour Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025 Valspar Championship Innisbrook Resort (Copperhead Course), Palm Harbor, Florida, USA Purse: $8.7 million DP World Tour Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025 Porsche Singapore Classic Laguna National Golf Resort Club, Singapore Purse: $2.5 million Asian Tour Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025 International Series Macau presented by Wynn Macau Golf & Country Club Purse: $2 million HotelPlanner Tour (Formerly the Challenge Tour) Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025 Delhi Challenge Classic Golf & Country Club, Gurugram, Haryana, India Purse: $300,000 Clutch Pro Tour Tuesday, March 18 – Thursday, March 20, 2025 UAE Championship Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, UAE Purse: £50,000 Ladies European Tour Thursday, March 20 – Sunday, March 23, 2025 Australian Women's Classic Wollongong Golf Club, New South Wales, Australia Purse: €300,000
Khaleej Times
17-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Clutch Pro Tour partners with Visit Morocco as ambitious 2025 Season tees off in UAE
The Clutch Pro Tour is set to embark on its most ambitious season yet, bolstered by a new partnership with Visit Morocco – 'The Kingdom of Light.' This collaboration enhances Morocco's position as a premier golfing destination while expanding the tour's global footprint, with key stops in the UAE, Oman, and Morocco. The 2025 season begins this week in Al Ain, UAE, marking another milestone for the Clutch Pro Tour, which has rapidly established itself as one of the world's leading development circuits. Since its launch in 2019, the tour has gained Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) accreditation, achieved Official Satellite Tour status to the HotelPlanner Tour and DP World Tour, and attracted an increasingly competitive field of rising stars and seasoned professionals. Among the tour's past champions is four-time DP World Tour winner Andy Sullivan, who claimed victory in a dramatic playoff at the 2020 Clutch Pro Tour Major. Expanding Horizons in Morocco and the UAE This season, the Clutch Pro Tour continues its strategic expansion, with Morocco playing a central role in its international growth. The tour will also introduce a key new tournament in the UAE, the UAE Championship at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club, which begins on March 18 and runs through March 20. The winner of this event will earn a coveted spot in next month's Abu Dhabi Challenge on the HotelPlanner Tour, along with a prize of £8,000. Following the UAE Championship, the tour will make two stops in Oman—at La Vie Golf Club later this month and at Al Mouj Golf in Muscat in April—before culminating in a season-ending Tour Championship at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah. The stakes are high, with the top three finishers on the season-long Order of Merit securing HotelPlanner Tour cards for 2026, marking a significant step in their professional careers. A Groundbreaking Partnership As part of its expansion, the Clutch Pro Tour has launched a new series in partnership with Visit Morocco. The 'Morocco: Kingdom of Light Series' will feature four prestigious events in the United Kingdom, hosted at Heythrop Park, Brocket Hall, South Staffs, and Hever Castle. This partnership will provide significant incentives for players, including £140,000 in series prize money. Additionally, the top male and female finishers will earn invitations to compete in Moroccan events in 2026, while the series champion will qualify for The Dutch Futures on the HotelPlanner Tour. Clutch Pro Tour CEO Tom Hayward described the partnership as a defining moment for the tour. 'This is a major milestone for us,' Hayward said. 'The addition of Visit Morocco as our Official Tourism Partner reflects the momentum we're building as we expand globally. Morocco is a stunning golf destination, and we're excited to showcase its world-class courses and culture. This partnership is a key step in our long-term vision for the tour.' Strong Field Assembles in Al Ain The UAE Championship in Al Ain has attracted a full field of 156 players, featuring an exciting mix of emerging talent and experienced professionals. Notable names in the field include England's Ashley Chesters, Sam Westwood, and Seve Benson. The tournament will also provide a platform for promising amateur players, including Faye AlBlooshi (UAE), Max Cashmore, Mo Craig (TFA, JGE), and Sara Engsig, as well as several others looking to test their skills against elite competition. Among the professional ranks, Tom Hanson, Tom Ogilvie, and Damien Scott will also be in action. Tee times begin at 6:40 AM from both the 1st and 10th tees, with the final group teeing off at 1:30 PM. With an exciting season opener, a groundbreaking new partnership, and a packed international schedule, the Clutch Pro Tour's 2025 campaign promises to be its most dynamic and competitive yet.
