UAE stay on top after AJP Tour Dubai, underlining dominance ahead of Asian C’ship

The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team reigned supreme on the mats on Sunday’s final day of the AJP Tour Dubai International Pro, underlining the nation’s global dominance of the sport.

The competition, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in collaboration with AJP, was held at Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.

Men and women athletes from all over the world competed in the categories of amateurs and professionals with blue, purple, brown, and black belts on the championship’s final day.

Displaying great levels of excitement, defiance, and strength, the Commando Group was proclaimed champions, with Palms Sports and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports in second- and third-place, respectively.

The UAE ranked top in the country rankings, ahead of Brazil in second and Colombia in third.

“The success of the AJP Tour Dubai tournament once again demonstrates that the world’s best players are keen to compete in the championships hosted by the Federation,” said UAEJJF Board Member Youssef Abdullah Al Batran.

“That is in part because of the high standards we maintain throughout our events. This weekend, there were hundreds of players from more than 60 countries attending; making it clear that the UAE is the world capital for jiu-jitsu.”

Engineer Azza Bint Suleiman, the National Olympic Committee’s Assistant Secretary-General for Administrative and Financial Affairs, complimented the UAEJJF for organising the tournament successfully, citing its “unwavering efforts and zeal to ensure high participation” and adding that “seeing the nation’s athletes ascend the podiums is without a doubt the most heartwarming thing to see.”

With the national team, Khaled Mohammed Al Shehhi – a purple belt member of Al-Ain Club – won gold in the professional 62kg category, while fellow purple belt Shamma Al Kalbani won silver in the 62kg category for Baniyas Club. Brown belt Wadima Al Yafei won the 49kg division for Al Ain Club.