ABU DHABI, 26th July, 2023 (WAM) — The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has announced the final preparations for the highly anticipated fourth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, scheduled from 2-5 August at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The four-day event, taking 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, has attracted confirmation from a record 636 athletes from 45 countries, setting the stage for a stellar display of excellence in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, in the presence of several distinguished personalities, including Brigadier Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF), Naser Khamis Al Marri, Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channels, and Fahad Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation. The championship, organised by the IMMAF, and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, will once more strengthen Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier sports destination. The competitions will be held in three different categories: Youth C (12-13 years), Youth B (14-15 years), and Youth A (16-17 years). The championship will also witness strong participation of the UAE National Team, which is competing in the championship for the second time. In his speech during the press conference, Brigadier Al Dhaheri extended his heartfelt thanks and gratitude to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his limitless support towards the advancement of UAE’s sports. He also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed for his generous patronage of the championship, constant directions, and continuous encouragement of athletes. Al Dhaheri stressed Abu Dhabi’s hosting of the World Championship for the second consecutive year underscores the immense trust that the IMMAF places in the UAE capital, given its proven excellence in hosting major tournaments and its solid position as a premier global sporting destination. Al Dhaheri added, “Abu Dhabi’s excellence in hosting the championship last year resulted in numerous achievements, including attracting the largest number of participants from different countries around the world, which was a significant accomplishment. This success further strengthened Abu Dhabi’s position as a global capital of MMA, while also leading to a significant increase in the popularity of the sport in the country and the region. “The tournament will provide an ideal platform that includes the world’s elite MMA athletes, enabling them to display their skills and technique to the world. This represents an important starting point for them towards a promising professional career.” Al Dhaheri thanked all partners, sponsors, and everyone who contributes to the success of the event, which sports fans in various countries around the world are waiting for. Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, lauded Abu Dhabi’s significant role in the development of sports, particularly for its exceptional hosting of major international tournaments. Brown expressed his gratitude to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation for their tireless efforts in ensuring a warm welcome for the participating delegations and a comfortable stay, thereby offering them an unforgettable and seamless experience. Brown stressed that Abu Dhabi successfully hosted last year’s edition of the tournament, which was well-received by the world. He expects that this year’s edition will continue the impressive success story achieved by the tournament last season, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in mixed martial arts. For his part, Naser Khamis Al Marri, Director of Events at Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said, “Today, we gather to celebrate the growing popularity of MMA in our country, as we prepare to host the IMMAF Youth World Championship in Abu Dhabi for the second time. This event further solidifies Abu Dhabi’s position as the global capital of combat sports.” He continued, “We are immensely grateful for the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, whose limitless support for sports and athletes in the UAE is the cornerstone of the success of championships like this.” Al Marri highlighted the accomplishments of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation under the leadership of His Excellency Abdul Moneim Al Hashemi. He emphasised that the Federation has been a source of pride for UAE sports, playing a pivotal role in expanding the reach of the sport in the country. “We take immense pride in the players of the UAE National Team who are participating in this tournament, as they are determined to perform well and raise UAE’s flag high. Abu Dhabi Sports Council is committed to providing all necessary support for the success of this global event,” Al Marri added. For his part, Yaqoub Al Saadi, Head of Abu Dhabi Sports Channel, expressed his pride in the partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, describing the World Championship as an exceptional event that attracts elite players from all countries of the world, stressing that everyone is waiting for the new generation of champions as they compete fiercely for the title. He pointed out that Abu Dhabi Sports Channel aims to contribute to consolidating the success of the event by broadcasting it on all available platforms and reaching the largest segment of viewers.
Source: Emirates News Agency (WAM)
