Sunday, Sep 25, 2016

Dubai: Over 220 athletes from 20 countries took part in the fourth edition of the Dubai International Pro Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Al Ahli Club over the weekend.

In total there was 273 matches split over two days, with 98 No-Gi matches (without the traditional kimono) held on Friday and 175 Gi contests (with the kimono) on Saturday. Emirati athletes won a total of 147 medals, 68 of these were No-Gi and a further 79 were Gi.

Bouts were held over three male and female age categories; adult (18-29 years), Master 1 (30-35 years) and Master 2 (36 years and over). These divisions were then further split into weight and belt categories.

In addition to this a men’s juvenile category was also included for the first time with over 20 participants.

The event was held under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee.

Abdul Moneim Al Hashemi, chairman of the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation, said: “We are incredibly proud of all the participants who took part in the championship and showcased their immense talent and skills. It was also fantastic to see a full stadium of supporters of the sport as well as participants’ family members and friends who came down to support their favourite players, serving as a testament to the growing popularity of Jiu-Jitsu. On behalf of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, I would like to congratulate all the winners and we look forward to hosting many more such international level tournaments here in the UAE.”

This event is part of a series of championships held over the course of the year under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The next stop of the series will be in Al Ain from October 21-22 for kids and October 28-29 for adults.

Staff Report

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