Latest news with #UAEJiuJitsu
Arab News
2 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
IMMAF Youth World Championships concludes in Al-Ain
AL-IN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships officially concluded on Sunday with the UAE claiming another medal to take its total for the tournament to 13. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport This year's edition welcomed more than 1,000 athletes from 60 countries, competing in four youth divisions — making it the largest and most advanced championship in the history of the International Mixed Martial Ats Federation. At the conclusion of the event, Ukraine was crowned overall champion, followed by England in second place and Tajikistan in third. The winning teams were honoured at the conclusion of the event on Sunday. The UAE national youth team made a notable impact, securing 13 medals in the gold, silver and bronze categories. The results reflect the national federation's ongoing investment in youth development and technical excellence, strengthening the country's growing reputation on the global MMA stage. The final day also featured a ceremony to honor key partners and individuals who contributed to the success of the championship. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and chairman of the MMA Committee, expressed his pride in the event's success. 'This championship reflects the confidence the international MMA community places in the UAE's capabilities. Hosting this global event in Al-Ain underscores our growing reputation for excellence in sports organisation,' he said. 'We are also proud of the outstanding performance of our young athletes. Their determination and discipline represent the spirit of our nation and reaffirm our leadership's vision to create opportunities for future generations in sport.' Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship was held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and ran from July 21-27. Saleh Mohamed Al-Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said: 'The rising popularity of combat sports in Abu Dhabi reflects a growing passion for athletic excellence and global sporting prestige. We are proud to welcome to the emirate the IMMAF Youth World Championships, a landmark event that highlights our commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing mixed martial arts on the world stage.' He said hosting the championship in Al-Ain for the first time would 'elevate Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier hub for international sports.'
Arab News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
UAE raises medal tally to 12 on fifth day of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain
AL-AIN: 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. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport 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 organized 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. 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 organized 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.' This year's edition has seen a noticeable increase in both the number of participating countries and athletes, earning widespread international praise for its organization. Hosting the event in 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 UK, and Tajikistan remain among the top contenders on the medal table.
Emirates 24/7
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Emirates 24/7
Sixth edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al Ain
Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships kicked off on Monday at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. The event, held in the city for the first time, features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until 27th July. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said, 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure and expand its hosting map to cover all emirates. He added that the inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. 'This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage,' he stated. Al Dhaheri expressed his sincere gratitude to the wise leadership and extended his appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this global event. He emphasised that such support serves as a powerful motivator for the younger generations to continue striving for excellence and to elevate Emirati sports to greater heights. Kyle Wilson, coach of the United States national team, said his team is participating in the championship with around 30 male and female athletes, praising the outstanding level of organisation.
Khaleej Times
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
IMMAF Youth World Championships gets underway in Al Ain
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 sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships got underway on Monday in the Al Ain Region, Abu Dhabi. The event, held in the city for the first time, is taking place at ADNEC Centre Al Ain and features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 countries. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the globe. For the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early age. The UAE National Team made an impressive start on the opening day. Their performance highlighted their strong technical preparation and determination to achieve further success throughout the week. Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth worldwide. He added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of sports. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said: 'Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts in enhancing its sports infrastructure and expanding its hosting map to cover all emirates. 'The inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age. This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage."
Arab News
28-06-2025
- Sport
- Arab News
Baniyas impress on opening day of Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
ABU DHABI: Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club seized an early lead on the first day of the fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which was held on Friday at Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation-organized event drew strong competition from local clubs, with competitors across youth, adult, and master divisions. Al-Jazira claimed second place, while MOD UAE rounded out the top three. Yousef Abdullah Al-Batran, board member of the UAEJJF, praised the generosity of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, in doubling the championship's prize money. He said the move reflected the UAE leadership's commitment to the development of top-level sports, especially jiu-jitsu, which has become the country's national sport. Al-Batran said: 'The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is especially important. It marks a key moment in the competition and gives us a chance to evaluate club performances and how well the athletes are prepared to continue their success in the upcoming stages.' Jasem Al-Marzooqi, the CEO of the Advanced Military Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Center, who was attending the event, affirmed that the strong organization of the event reflected the UAE's ambition to position itself as a leading global sports destination. He said: 'The championship is progressing with every round. Both the technical and organizational levels show how successful the overall system is, giving athletes the ideal environment to grow and excel.' Igor Lacerda, the coach of the Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club's youth team, said: 'This round once again confirms the incredible progress the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is making across the board. It gave us as coaches extra motivation. 'We focused our preparations on the mental and tactical aspects, and we are working to make the best use of our athletes' capabilities. From the start of the season our goal has been clear: to strongly compete for the title. We believe this path requires consistent performance and discipline.' Bouchaib El-Idrissi of Morocco, who was representing Baniyas, took gold in the men's masters' brown/black belt 62 kg division, and said: 'This achievement means a lot to me, especially since I faced an opponent in the final who was 20 years younger. 'This championship is a unique platform for athletes of all ages to showcase their talent and chase their goals. I sincerely thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and the organizers for the tremendous effort they put into delivering such a professional event and creating a competitive environment that matches our ambitions and pushes us to give our best.'
