Al Ain (Al Ittihad)
The gymnasium at the UAE University in Al Ain witnessed strong fights and a remarkable crowd presence during the mixed martial arts championship for juniors, amidst the remarkable brilliance of Emirati athletes from various academies, an exciting atmosphere of enthusiasm and continuous encouragement, and with wide participation of male and female players aged between 12 and 17 years.
The tournament's matches were characterized by a lot of enthusiasm and competitiveness, and the number of fights reached 83, most of which were not decided except in their final moments. The sons and daughters of the Emirates affiliated with the various academies at the state level were able to win 18 gold, 10 silver, and 10 bronze medals.
The competitions were attended by Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmuj Al Dhaheri, Member of the Federation’s Board of Directors, Fahd Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Federation, and representatives of the participating clubs and academies.
The tournament was the first mixed martial arts competition on the agenda of the new season of the Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, which is full of tournaments. The tournament witnessed the participation of more than 100 male and female players from 18 countries, and the competitions were held in 33 different age and weight categories.
Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmuj Al Dhaheri congratulated the athletes on the start of the new season through this strong tournament, praising the large turnout of athletes to participate in the competitions, and thanked and appreciated the UAE University for contributing to the professional organization of the tournament and providing the best competitive environment for male and female players.
Al Dhaheri said: “By organizing these tournaments, we seek to enhance the potential and capabilities of local talent, and to prepare and qualify the new generation seeking to achieve a distinguished career in sports and reach international podiums, relying on the unlimited support of the wise leadership, which represents the cornerstone of achieving any achievement.”
He added: “These tournaments contribute to developing the sport of mixed martial arts within the country, refining the talents of our male and female athletes, and preparing them optimally to represent the nation in the World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship, which Abu Dhabi will host for the third year in a row next August, and it is a tournament that receives international attention.” big”.
In turn, Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee at the Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The tournament is held within the framework of the federation’s keenness to establish a solid base of stars and champions, and contributes to revealing and refining talent and strengthening the leadership of the country and the capital, Abu Dhabi, in leading the combat sports development scene.”
Al Hosani praised the distinguished technical levels and the strength of the performance of the male and female players, despite the fact that the season is still in its infancy, noting the great work of the participating academies in attracting the best training competencies and optimal investment in the budding and junior categories. He said: “We have begun to see positive results and reap gains, especially in terms of expansion.” The base of practitioners, and the quality of talent that is steadily moving towards professionalism in the game.”
He explained that the tournament helps the sons and daughters of the Emirates in particular, and the rest of the participants, to prepare well for the upcoming events, most notably the World Mixed Martial Arts Championship in Abu Dhabi.
Franco Sierra, the jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts coach at the Team Nogueira Academy in Dubai, said: “Our team performed amazingly despite the presence of strong competitors, and the sports of jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts in the Emirates and the region are witnessing remarkable growth at all levels, thanks to the great support from the Federation.” Which provides all the ingredients for success for players and coaching staff alike.”
He added: “I have been training here for 14 years, and I have witnessed for myself the rapid development of the sport of jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts, and I look forward to watching my team and other sports teams shine during the new season and the upcoming tournaments.”
Omar Younis Al-Raisi from the Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club expressed his happiness at achieving the gold medal in the youth 56 kg category, stressing that the championship competitions were very enthusiastic and powerful, and that he did not fight any easy fight during his journey towards gold, but he fought every fight with a special tactic. Through focus, determination, and exploiting the opponent’s weaknesses, he ultimately wins his fights.
In turn, Yassin Abu Bakr from the Team Nogueira Academy in Dubai, who won silver in the 61 kg youth category, praised the exceptional atmosphere of the tournament, stressing that it represents an ideal preparation for the players for the upcoming events, especially the World Mixed Martial Arts Championship next August in Abu Dhabi, where he explained that the main goal lies in Continuing development and growth, reaching complete readiness to compete for the world title, and he explained that he feels some sadness for losing the final fight even though he was close to winning, explaining that these fights are decided based on the smallest details, but it is without a doubt an inspiring experience.
Champion Ghala Al Hammadi from ADMA Academy, who was able to win the gold medal in the young women’s 48 kg category, said: “I am happy with the level I performed in the fights, and the coach’s instructions helped me outperform my opponents, despite their strength and skill. I think it is a very promising beginning, and I aspire to develop my performance and talent by acquiring new combat techniques, also benefiting from my superiority in the sport of Jiu-Jitsu, which contributed to giving me a somewhat advantage in fights.”
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