UAE impress with 52 gold on first day of World Youth Jiu-Jitsu

abu dhabi - The UAE had an impressive day as the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2018 commenced on Sunday, with girls from 60 countries around the world converging at Mubadala Arena for the first day of the action. The Championship is open to all belts across the teen and juvenile age groups, with the first day seeing hundreds of female athletes aged 10 to 17 compete.
The event is held by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
The UAE's participation saw a string of successes, securing the top position after being awarded 52 gold medals, 63 silver medals and 118 bronze medals. In second place, Kazakhstan won five gold, two silver and one bronze medal. Ukrainian participants received five gold and two silver medals, while the United Kingdom came fourth with two gold medals, one silver and one bronze medal. In fifth place with three silver medals and one bronze was Jordan.
Fahad Al Shamsi, CEO of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), said: "The Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a significant annual event and we are proud to see such an impressive level of participation today, with determined young women from around the world competing against one-another in larger numbers than ever before. This Championship forms a central part of our strategy to advance the sport on a global echelon. It is the pinnacle of our efforts to engage the upcoming generation in Jiu-Jitsu, as we seek to continue maximizing its wide-reaching benefits."
Meanwhile, the UAEJJF was awarded the UAE President's Award for sporting successes. The announcement came during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi this morning, under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs.
Monday will see 30 international champions from the past nine editions of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship gather in Yas Mall, to be weighed-in for the first edition of the 'King of Mats' competition. Weigh-ins will be held from 18:30, with leading Jiu-Jitsu coaches holding public demonstrations of advanced techniques from midday.
Back at Mubadala Arena, the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship for its second and final day with the boys categories, seeing hundreds more 10 - 17-year-olds gather for another day of strong competition.