UAE’s Zayed Al Katheeri (centre) poses for a picture during the presentation ceremony of men’s 56-kilogram weight at the sixth Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Bahrain on Monday.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team produced an excellent performance on day one of the sixth Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Bahrain, finishing top of the medal table after an impressive display of technical ability.

The country’s elite athletes reasserted their readiness to defend the UAE’s title by winning five gold medals, a silver, and four bronze in Manama. Jordan ranks second after securing a gold and silver, while Thailand sits third with a gold and three bronze. Host nation Bahrain is fourth with a silver and a bronze medal.

Zayed Al Kathiri, the UAE team's star player, earned gold in the 56kg division to kick-off this edition's medal haul. For the UAE squad, Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi (69kg) and Saeed Al Kubaisi (85kg) also took gold. In the women’s categories, Balqis Abdullah (48kg) and Mariam Al Ameri (70+) stormed to gold, demonstrating the UAE strength across the board.

 Meanwhile, Faisal Al Ketbi picked up silver in the 85kg weight division, and Bashayer Al Matrooshi (57kg), Sharifa Al Namaani (48kg), Theyab Al Nuaimi (56kg), and Faraj Al Awlaki (69kg) all took bronze.

Ketbi, the UAE team captain, was more than happy to see his younger team-mate Qubaisi take gold in the 85kg category in an all Emirati final on Monday.

“The objective is always for both fighters to reach the final as the format allows a maximum of two entries in each weight category. And if we are successful to have both in the final, then it doesn’t matter who wins as long as gold is for the UAE,” Ketbi said.

“Saeed deserves the continental gold more than me. He has worked very hard to reach the final and a deserving winner.

“We had a wonderful first day and with seven more golds on offer on day two, we hope we can add a few more medals to our tally.

“The whole team has done remarkably well so far and it’s all due to the limitless support we get from our federation, the technical assistance from our coaches and the abundance of encouragement from our management staff.”

Abdel Moneim Al Hashemi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, congratulated the players on their success. “The UAE national team’s achievement is unparalleled and historic,” he said. “I congratulate them and wish good luck to all the players who will take to the mats on Tuesday.”

Hashemi also praised the officials as well as the Bahrain Jiu-Jitsu Federation for a well-organised tournament.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, applauded the UAE National Team’s performance on the first day of the competition. “It is an ideal start for the squad and they have performed outstandingly,” he said.

“We are optimistic that those who take to the mats on Tuesday will have a successful day.”