Winners pose for a picture after the presentation ceremony.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

The UAE MMA national team made a strong start at the 2023 IMMAF Asian Championships, on Sunday, securing an impressive tally of 13 medals, including eight gold, four silver, and one bronze, on the competition’s opening day.

The UAE topped the overall gold medal table, claiming eight out of 15 gold medals on offer. The event, scheduled until Dec.16, commenced with competitions for the Youth B (14-15 years old) and Youth C (12-13 years old) categories on Sunday. Held at the Khalifa Sports City Arena in Bahrain, the championship is drawing participants from 16 Asian countries.

Saif Alblooshi set the pace for the team by claiming the top spot in the Men/Youth B/40 Kg division, achieving a compelling victory over Saud Ebrahim of Bahrain in a thrilling contest lasting 2 minutes and 43 seconds.

Additionally, Hamdan Mohamed Alnajar (Youth/Men/Youth B/48 Kg), Salem Alhamoud (Men/Youth B/77.1 Kg), Rakan Alyammahi (Youth/Men/Youth C/34 Kg), Ali Mohamed Alnajar (Youth/Men/Youth C/40 Kg), Thani Almehairi (Men/Youth B/62 Kg), Ghala Alhammadi (Women/Youth B/44 Kg), and Afra Almutwa (Women/Youth B/48 Kg) won gold for the UAE.

Abdulla Aldarmak (Men/Youth B/44 Kg), Yousef Alkhoori (Men/Youth B/67 Kg), Abdulla Andeez (Men/Youth B/62 Kg), and Zayed Al Hammadi (Men/Youth B/48 Kg) secured silver, while Mayed Alhosani grabbed  bronze in the Men/Youth C/34 Kg division.

Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee for the UAE Jiu-Jitsu & MMA Federation, expressed his excitement with the team’s performance. He said, “The dedication and skill exhibited by our athletes truly exemplify the spirit of excellence and commitment we aim for in our sporting endeavors. This season has been brilliant for the team, reflecting the team’s hard work and meticulous preparation. The team’s performance indicates that our team is heading in the right direction, and we have full confidence in their ability to excel and win more medals.”

 “Winning the gold medal today mean all the efforts I’ve put in are paid off,” said Saif Al Alblooshi. “It’s a tremendous honor to represent the UAE on this platform. My relentless dedication and preparation have borne fruit. I want to dedicate this medal to the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation for their incredible support.”

Ghala Alhammadi, who won gold in the Youth/Women/Youth B/44 Kg division, said, “I am so happy I could win first place today. I want to dedicate this to the UAE’s leadership. I’m pleased with the performance that allowed me to end the season on a good note.”