Headline: UAE jiu-jitsu national team gear up for Grand Prix Paris Open

ABU DHABI: The UAE national jiu-jitsu team, consisting of 12 men and nine women, is set to take part in the Grand Prix Paris Open 2023 kicking off on Saturday.

Organized by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, the event will feature over 250 male and female athletes from 22 countries, and is scheduled to take place from April 22 to 24 in Paris. The UAE team will depart for the French capital on Wednesday.

The team members recently delivered outstanding performances for their respective clubs during the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup in Abu Dhabi, which should provide them with a boost in France.

Mubarak Al-Menhali, director of the technical department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “The national jiu-jitsu team is keen to participate in tournaments like Paris Grand Prix as part of its efforts to retain its continental and international achievements, and to intensify its preparations for future championships, especially the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship and the Asian Games in China.”

“Participating in such tournaments brings many benefits to the national team, including the opportunity to test the players’ readiness and compete against some of the strongest international stars. The national team delegation consists of 21 experienced, young and emerging players, both male and female, most of whom have won titles in major tournaments. This enhances our chances of reaching the podium,” Al-Menhali added.

Ramon Lemos, coach of the national team, said: “We were keen to prepare the team for the tournament in the best possible way, as we focused on areas that need further development.”

“The players have shown exceptional commitment to giving their best, and we are confident that they will spare no effort to provide the