Saif Al Blooshi strikes gold for UAE on opening day of IMMAF Youth World Championships

The UAE made a bright start to the 2023 International Mixed Martial Art Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City on Wednesday.

Saif Al Blooshi won gold for the UAE, while Rakan Al Yammahi and Aisha Al Hammadi clinched silver medals. Sara Al Zarooni grabbed bronze. All of them bagged medals in their first appearances on the world stage.

Al Blooshi’s victory over Tajikistan’s Khurshedjon Shokirov in the boys 40-kilogram division triggered wild celebrations.

The UAE bagged a gold, silver and two bronze on their debut in the youth worlds last year, and with 31 more athletes to compete over the next three days, the host nation will be hoping to add to the opening day tally.

Aisha (57kg) and Sara (40kg) etched their names in the record books by becoming the first Emirati girls to win medals at the MMA youth worlds.

“I’m thrilled and proud to win a medal for my country, and I’m already thinking of next year when the championships will be staged again in Abu Dhabi,” Aisha told The National.

The best reward for a champion a mother's warm embrace! After Saif Al Blooshi's Gold win at #2023MMAYouthWorlds