Al-Ketbi, Al-Kalbani strike jiu-jitsu gold as UAE dominate at Thailand Open Grand Prix

ABU DHABI: The UAE national jiu-jitsu team have emerged overall champions at the prestigious Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023, earning an impressive 20 medals at the tournament held in Bangkok.

The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, displayed clear dominance across the two days of competition, amassing nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.

On the final day on Sunday, the UAE secured five medals, adding to the 15 they had already harvested on the opening day. Faisal Al-Ketbi (94-kilogram division) and Shamma Al-Kalbani (63 kilogram), the star athletes of the national squad, lived up to the high expectations and emerged victorious, claiming gold medals.

“These accomplishments are a direct result of the unwavering support from our wise leadership and the tireless efforts of the UAEJJF (UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation) led by His Excellency Abdul Munam Al-Hashemi,” Al-Ketbi said. “Their guidance has propelled us towards success, allowing us to achieve championships and establish the UAE’s global leadership in the sport.”

Saeed Al-Kubaisi (85 kilogram) and Abdullah Al-Kubaisi (94 kilogram) also contributed to the team’s success by securing silver medals. In addition, Hazaa Farhan (94 kilogram) won a bronze medal in his division.

Al-Hashemi, chairman of the UAEJJF, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice-president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the national side.

“The remarkable performance of the UAE national team is a clear testament to the valuable initiatives implemented by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu