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Arab News
18 hours ago
- 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.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Baniyas dominate on Day 1 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
The energy was electric and the stakes higher than ever as the fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship roared to life on Friday at Zayed Sports City's Mubadala Arena. On a day defined by grit and willpower, it was Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club who stole the show, topping the leaderboard after a stellar performance across divisions. In a championship that showcased fighters brimming with ambition, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club came in a close second, with the rising force M.O.D UAE securing third place. The event, hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), brought together a passionate mix of youth, adult, and master-class athletes competing for podium glory and valuable ranking points. Prize Money Doubled A key talking point was the championship's doubled prize pool, thanks to the visionary directive from Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. The move not only enhances competitiveness but also reflects the nation's deepening investment in jiu-jitsu as the UAE's national sport. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the generous directive from Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, to double the championship's prize money. He said this move reflects the UAE leadership's commitment to the development of top-level sports, especially jiu-jitsu, which has become the country's national sport. 'The fourth round of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship is especially important,: he said. "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, CEO of AMMROC, stated that the strong organisation and professional level of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflect the leadership's ambition to position the UAE as a leading global sports destination. 'The championship is progressing with every round. Both the technical and organisational levels show how successful the overall system is, giving athletes the ideal environment to grow and excel," he said. Heart of a Champion One of the day's standout performances came from Bouchaib Elidrissi, the Moroccan master representing Baniyas, who clinched gold in the Men's Masters Brown/Black Belt –62kg division. "This achievement means a lot to me, especially since I faced an opponent in the final who was 20 years younger," he said., "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 organisers 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.' Coaches Step Up Igor Lacerda, head coach of the Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, said preparation for this round went beyond physical training. 'We focused on mindset and tactical flexibility. Winning championships isn't about one weekend – it's about consistency across every round.' As the championship unfolds over multiple rounds, each event brings clubs and athletes one step closer to season glory.
