ABU DHABI: 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 8th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship will bring together more than 1,500 male and female competitors from more than 30 countries at the Mubadala Arena from 3-8 May.

Organised by the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the 8th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship starts with competitions for the adult division from 3-5 May, followed by the youth division from 6-8 May.

Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said that the sport of jiu-jitsu in the UAE is constantly developing, thanks to the great support of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan adding that thanks to the wise leadership’s suppo
rt, Abu Dhabi continues to reaffirm its position as a global hub for sporting activities, and a major supporter and developer of jiu-jitsu worldwide.

Alhashmi expressed his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stressing that His Highness’s generous patronage guarantees the success of the championship, contributing to solidifying the UAE and Abu Dhabi’s leadership in hosting major international Championship and attracting elite athletes.

Alhashmi added, ‘The UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi, continue to play an effective and vital role in the development of sports and the advancement of the Jiu-Jitsu scene. Their initiatives in organising and hosting major sports events receive widespread international acclaim, as evidenced by hosting the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship and IMMAF Youth World Championship for three consecutive years, in addition to hosting the fifth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship back in 2021, which reflects the expertise and capabilities in providing all the elem
ents for the success of major international and continental events and the ability to dazzle the world.

‘We are confident in the success of the eighth edition of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship. We maintain continuous communication and meticulous oversight to ensure all tournament preparations are completed to the highest standards before its inauguration and throughout the competition.

‘The organising committee has developed and executed a comprehensive plan – addressing organisational and logistical aspects since the beginning of this year. We have been working closely with the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and delegations of participating countries, as well as partners, and sponsors to ensure an exceptional edition and a unique experience from the preparation stage to the hosting phase.’

With less than one week left to the competitions, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team is at a training camp and aiming to maintain the continental title and build on previous achievements, especially the recent accomplishment at t
he Asian Games in China at the end of last year, which culminated in achieving 10 historic medals for the UAE.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team had successfully retained the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship title for three consecutive years, during its latest edition held in February 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand, achieving 16 medals – 7 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze; solidifying the country’s position as the continental champions.

Source: Emirates News Agency