ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced the final preparations for the fifth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, set to take place from August 6-10 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The event, held 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, will feature more than 800 athletes from over 45 countries, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence in the global Mixed Martial Arts community.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Abu Dhabi, attended by Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF); Suhail Al Arifi, Executive Director of the Sp
orts Development Sector at Abu Dhabi Sports Council; and Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels.
During the press conference, Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his limitless support of UAE sports and athletes. He also thanked H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for his patronage, which has been the cornerstone of the Championships’ success and solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leading destination forhosting major sporting events.
‘Hosting the previous editions of the Championships, Abu Dhabi has set a benchmark for organising international sports events, offering an exceptional experience praised by the global sports community. The number of participating athletes and countries has increased by over 50 percent since 2022, highlighting Abu Dhabi’s appeal as a leading platform for major events and a prefe
rred destination for athletes worldwide.
‘Our national team is in intensive preparation, supported by our leadership’s vision and the federation’s clear plan, under the guidance of top international coaches. We are confident in our team’s skills and potential to excel, as evidenced by our previous achievements, including securing fourth place in the overall tournament rankings and winning 12 medals in just our second participation. This year, we aim to build on this success and strengthen the UAE’s leadership in mixed martial arts.
‘We are delighted to announce the extension of the strategic partnership with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation to host the Championship for the next three years. This partnership reflects the confidence of the global sports community and solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination for international sporting events.’
Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: ‘It is a great honour that the 2024 IMMAF Youth World Ch
ampionships will take place 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.
‘This year’s Championships, the largest in the history of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, feature the participation of more than 800 male and female athletes from over 45 countries, as it continues to grow annually. As the only amateur MMA organisation recognised by the World Anti-Doping Agency, we are proud to continue building the future of our sport by promoting clean and fair MMA.’
‘I am also proud to announce that IMMAF and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation have renewed the partnership to host the IMMAF Youth World Championships here in Abu Dhabi for another three years.’
Brown also expressed his happiness with the launch of the campaign, ‘IMMAF Road to Recognition,’ which aims to include this sport under the umbrella of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports (AIMS), recogni
sed by the International Olympic Committee.
Suhail Al Arifi, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: ‘The IMMAF Youth World Championships highlight Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for major international sports championships and the trust it has earned from regional and international sports federations. The Championships have seen significant growth since their inaugural edition in Italy in 2019, flourishing in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023.
‘This year, we are set to welcome over 800 male and female athletes from more than 45 countries. We wish success to our national team and all participants, and we extend our gratitude to everyone involved in organising this event, including sponsors, organisers, partners, and volunteer teams.’
Elsewhere, Yaqoub Al Saadi added: ‘The events organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation embody the Emirati spirit, demonstrating great creativity and innovation in achieving goals. The success of each champ
ionship is a result of hard work, teamwork, and community support.
‘Hosting the IMMAF Youth World Championships in the UAE capital for the third year in a row highlights the city’s significance as a centre for mixed martial arts and reflects the trust of the global sports community and various federations in its ability to organise successful events. Abu Dhabi Sports Channels play a role in this success, providing comprehensive coverage from the opening ceremony to the final moments, all with high quality.’
Source: Emirates News Agency