Participants in action during the second day of the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival at the UAE University in Al Ain.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival ended on Sunday at UAE University in Al Ain with hundreds of families flocking to support their children and provide extra motivation to capture a medal during the two-day event that was open to youths aged between 4 and 15.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the second day of competition featured bouts across junior and teens. Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Academy took first place, with Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club and Palms Sports Academy finishing in second and third respectively.

In the country rankings, the UAE continued their impressive record at this event to take first again, while Brazil came second, ahead of Jordan.

Commenting on the success of the Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival, Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, UAEJJF board member, said: “This event continues to achieve its goals in attracting large numbers of participants among the youth group, which has long been part of the Federation’s plans to discover emerging talents and create champions able to compete on the international stage.

“This year’s Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival has been notable for its high level of competition. The UAE national team coaches can use such events to discover emerging local talents, which is one of the most important benefits of this tournament.”

Batran added that the families serve as a key partner of the UAE JJF in implementing its plans in refining the talents of children and directing them towards a healthy life while building a confident personality based on noble jiu-jitsu values such as patience, endurance, commitment, and discipline.

Muhammad Musallam Al Muharrami, a student at Al Ain University attending his first jiu-jitsu event, said: “I am here in the stands to enjoy a wonderful and enthusiastic atmosphere. Being an Al Ain resident, I support the players of Al Ain and wish them success in their journey.

“I have seen many strong performances by the youths on the mat today. I have not practiced jiu-jitsu before, but I am seriously considering joining Al Ain Club and starting my own journey, especially as it receives such strong support from our visionary leaders.”

Sheikha Al Kaabi expressed her great happiness after her son Hamad captured a gold medal on the last day of the championship.

“The sport of jiu-jitsu instills the spirit of competition, perseverance, and determination in my son. This is evident in his performance not only on the mat, but also in his studies. The sport portrays a true commitment and discipline in every aspect of Hamad’s life.”

Aisha Mohamed, a player from Palms Sports Academy, expressed her happiness to participate in the tournament and achieve success.

“The level of competition was very high considering the presence of many competitors all fighting to win,” she said. “This kind of championship helps in preparing athletes for future championships as it enhances their skills.”

The Challenge Jiu-Jitsu Festival had created a lively environment for families and children who enjoyed a range of activities and entertainment events in Al Ain University. As well as Batran, the second day of the championship was attended by Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice-president of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Khalfan Rashid Al Nayli Al Shamsi, member of the Federal National Council, and a selection of UAEJJF officials, clubs and academies representatives, and supporting partner bodies.