His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, graced the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup with his presence as he crowned the champions of the tournament.

The highly anticipated event was held over the weekend at the Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai, captivating a large audience with intense fights and impressive displays of skill.

The tournament showcased the talents of young jiu-jitsu athletes across various age categories. In the Under U14 division, Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged victorious, showcasing their skills and demonstrating that the future of jiu-jitsu in the UAE is in safe hands. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club secured an admirable second place, while Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club clinched the third-place position.

In the U16 category, Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club once again proved their prowess, claiming the top spot. Sharjah Self-Defence displayed remarkable skills and secured a well-deserved second place, while Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finished in third place.

In the U18 division, Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, and Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy showcased their talent and dedication, securing the top three positions, respectively.

The competition in this category was fierce, with each club displaying their skills on the mats with grit and confidence.

However, it was in the Adults division that the excitement reached its peak. The competition between the experienced fighters, which saw the prominent athletes in the UAE taking to mats, were highly competitive as expected.

Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy, fuelled by determination and skill, emerged victorious, claiming the first-place position. They dethroned the defending champions, Baniyas, who had to settle for second place this year. Al Ain secured the third-place position.

The award ceremony was attended by several notable dignitaries, including Lieutenant-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Chairman of Directors of Sports Games at Shabab Al Ahli Club; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Saeed Mohammed Hareb, Secretary General of the Dubai Sports Council; and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shanqiti, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sport Games at Shabab Al-Ahli Club.

Additionally, Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation, Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAEJJF; Abdul Salam Mohamed Ahmed, representative of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC); and several representatives from the federation, partners, and clubs were present at the ceremony where the winners and the top three finishers were crowned.

Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum extended his congratulations to the first-place finishers and lauded the remarkable level of competition.

He expressed his admiration for the Federation’s unwavering dedication in bolstering the nation’s leading position in the world of sports and further emphasised the significance of investing in and nurturing local athletes, as they embody the future of the sport.

Al Marri commended the tournament for its exceptional organisation and underscored the crucial role of the athletes in shaping the future of UAE jiu-jitsu.

He said, “At Shabab Al Ahli, we prioritise jiu-jitsu and place a strong emphasis on laying a solid foundation for future athletes. Although we did not qualify for the finals, I have full confidence that we will secure a place among the top four in UAE jiu-jitsu.”

Dhaheri hailed the 2023 edition of the Vice President Cup as the most successful tournament to date, particularly with the inclusion of the U-14 category.

He added: “The tournament’s new format, which focuses on young athletes, aligns with the Federation’s vision and plans to identify talents and showcase them at an early stage.

“These tournaments serve as a solid foundation from which our athletes embark on international excellence, enhancing their chances of joining the national team and competing at the highest levels. We will reap the rewards of this investment in the coming years.”

Dhaheri also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Sheikh Mansoor for his unwavering support of sports and athletes in the UAE. He also extended his appreciation to the Al Ahli Youth Club in Dubai for flawlessly hosting the championship.