Members of the Baniyas club, winners of the adults’ category, pose with the dignitaries during the presentation ceremony.

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The annual Vice-President's Jiu-Jitsu Cup competitions came to a thrilling conclusion on Sunday at the Al Nasr Club in Dubai, with the Baniyas and Al Ain clubs securing the top places. The tournament, open to athletes in the U-16, U-18, and adult’s categories, featured a pool of both emerging talents and ranked players from local clubs and academies.

Al Ain dominated the U-16 category by defeating Al Jazira, who came in second, and Sharjah self-defence Sports Club finished third.

Baniyas triumphed in the U-18 division after beating Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, who finished second, and Al Wahda, who came third. Baniyas also won the title in the adult’s division by forcing Al Wahda to settle for second place and Al Ain for third.

Following the competitions, Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum crowned the winners in the presence of Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Youssef Al Batran, a Board Member of the Federation as well as several officials from the Federation, its strategic sponsors, and clubs.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the federation, extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for their limitless support for Emirati athletes and sports.

He continued: "Record numbers of clubs, academies, and institutions participated in this year's competitions which shows the significant development of the sport in the country.  Championships like these contribute to preparing future talents in the UAE and growth of overall sports in the country."

“These clubs and academies are crucial partners in realising the UAEJJF's vision and strengthening the organisation's position as the top promoter of jiu-jitsu in the country and raising the competitions’ standards to match with those of international championships. Local competitions like this one gave our stars a solid foundation on which to swoop in and conquer the world.”

"I feel a great deal of pride and honour for participating in this wonderful competition, obtaining the gold medal and helping my team ascend the podium and win the title," said Ahmed Saeed Al Shamsi, the Al Ain Club athlete who won the U16 gold in 42 kg.

He added: "I was able to put up a good fight against the competent opponents, and for that, I'm grateful to the Al Ain Club's technical staff, my teammates, and the supporters who never stopped believing in me.”

In turn, Ammar Al Hosani, the Baniyas player who succeeded in achieving gold in the U-18 (94 kg) category, said: “The Vice-President Jiu-Jitsu Cup competitions provided the athletes with a beautiful ambience. The increased number of skilled players, the fierce competitions, and the impressive technical prowess displayed by them were outstanding.”

He added that the event gave him a chance to develop close bonds with some of the most well known and highly regarded players on the local scene.