The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival, a three-day event organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and hosted at the UAE University in Al Ain, reached its thrilling conclusion on Sunday.

The competitions for Boys, Junior, Teen, and Youth categories unfolded on the final day, culminating in Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club clinching the first-place title, Al Jazira securing the runner-up position, and Al Ain taking third place.

Sunday’s competitions were attended by Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAEJJF, Marwan Alkaabi, Chief of Critical Infrastructure and Response at PureHealth, and a number of UAEJJF officials and representatives of clubs, academies, and partner entities. Shamsi expressed his delight at the immense success of the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival.

“The championship has not only unveiled promising talents but also significantly expanded the sport’s reach, with a remarkable increase in the number of participants,” he said.

“In its four rounds this season, the Challenge Festival attracted thousands of male and female players, predominantly from the new generation of athletes, marking a pivotal strategic achievement for the federation. The festival’s accompanying activities aimed to engage families in meaningful community events, solidifying its standing as one of the state’s premier sports events.”

He continued, “The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival is a cornerstone of the UAEJJF’s local sporting calendar, focusing on nurturing the emerging generation of athletes, instilling a spirit of challenge and determination.

“Such tournaments play a pivotal role in fostering positive intergenerational qualities, character development, and the promotion of jiu-jitsu values.”

Iuri Alves, the Brazilian coach of Baniyas, lauded the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival as one of the most prominent local tournaments.

“The championship plays an instrumental role in preparing young athletes to transition into the realm of professional competition, aligning with the strategies and goals of various clubs and academies to cultivate this players segment, who represent the future of the sport,” he said.

Alves added, “The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival is a crucial steppingstone for athletes preparing for the upcoming Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship early next month. Young athletes dedicate themselves to year-round training and hard work in anticipation of this pinnacle event, widely regarded as the most prestigious tournament on the global Jiu-Jitsu calendar. Success here opens the door to significant opportunities in their professional careers.”

Ahmed Humaid Alqubaisi of Baniyas, who won gold in the Boys Gi / Junior / White / 34kg division, said, “I am overwhelmed with joy at this achievement and securing the gold medal after enduring tough battles against strong opponents. It is evidence of my growth in the sport and my unwavering ambition to continue this path of success.”

He added, “I extend my gratitude to the UAEJJF for organising such tournaments, which enhance our competitive edge in upcoming major events, most importantly the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Festival and Abu Dhabi World Youth World Championship.”

Ignat Ryazantsev of Kazakhstan, who represents ADMA Academy , won first place in the Boys Gi / Teen / Orange/Green / 66kg division. He said, “I take great pride in this achievement, earned through competing in a demanding and challenging tournament. It provided us with opportunities to test our skills against elite athletes. This gold medal marks just the beginning of my journey, and I am determined to make the most of the club’s programmes for talent development and continual growth. Our next destination is the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship, and my sights are set on nothing less than the top spot.”

Ahmed Nassar from Jordan, father of Al Ain club player Abdullah Nassar, who clinched the gold in the Boys GI/Infant/Yellow/62KG division, shared his pride in his son’s accomplishments.