https://arab.news/8wtj5
- Al-Wahda, Al-Ain and Palm Sports 777 dominate in run-up to major international competitions
Abu Dhabi: Three of the UAE’s top martial arts clubs have dominated the fifth and final round of the Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu League ahead of upcoming major international championships against some of the world’s most elite fighters.
The competition took place at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena in Abu Dhabi and included adult, U-18 and U16 categories.
Al-Wahda Club secured top spot on Friday to take the league title in the adult category, with Al-Ain in second and Palm Sports 777 in third. In the U-18 category, Al-Ain finished top, ahead of Al-Wahda and Sharjah Self Defence Club. The U-16 title went to Palm Sports Team 777, with Al-Wahda second, and Al-Jazira in third place.
“The Mother of the Nation League has developed into an international-calibre championship, attracting athletes who have succeeded in capturing medals in several global championships including the Asian and World Championships and Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship,” said Mohammed Salem Al-Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
“One of the most important aspects of the Mother of the Nation League is to provide a platform for the next generation of champions in the U-18 and U-16 categories, to gain top-level experiences and prepare for upcoming events.”
“We are extremely pleased with the strong participation in this championship, and it shows the efforts of the federation, with the continuous support of the UAE’s visionary leadership, to grow the sport among women in the country are paying dividends,” he said.
Maryam Al-Ali from Palm Sports Team 777, who captured the gold medal in U16 category, 44kg, said: “I came across strong competition today and managed to secure the win thanks to persistence and following the instructions of the technical staff. I would like to congratulate my fellow women athletes as we move towards our next goal in honoring the UAE in the World Championship and Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-jitsu Championship in November.”
Al-Ain Club star Shamma Rashed, who won the gold in the U18 40kg category, praised the work put in by the team’s technical staff.
“The athletes have conducted several training camps and participated in international championships, leading up to today’s final round, which helped in raising the bar of competition thanks to improved fitness and technical levels,” she said. “Our coaching staff played a role in my victory as they helped in enhancing my psychological and technical skills, to be able to control the bouts.”
The fifth and final round of the Vice President's Jiu-Jitsu League will conclude on Saturday, Sept. 25, with the men’s competition as Al-Ain, Al-Wahda, Al-Jazira, Baniyas and Sharjah Self Defence Club go head to head in the adult, U-18 and U-16 categories.