UAE jiu-jitsu stars Faisal Al-Ketbi and Shamma Al-Kalbani clinch Asian Games gold

HANGZHOU: The UAE jiu-jitsu national team maintained their successful performances at the Asian Games as Faisal Al-Ketbi and Shamma Al-Kalbani claimed gold in their respective categories during the competitions held at Xiaoshan Linpu Gymnasium JJI, while Saeed Al-Kubaisi bagged silver.

The UAE has topped the overall jiu-jitsu rankings at the Asian Games.

With Saturday’s victories, the nation’s overall jiu-jitsu medal count at the Asian Games now stands at an impressive 10 medals, including four gold, three silver, and three bronze. In 2018, the UAE won a total of nine medals, including two gold, five silver, and two bronze.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, second deputy ruler of Dubai and president of the UAE National Olympic Committee, congratulated the national team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Co., for their historic achievement.

He also commended the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s efforts in promoting the sport and creating champions who represent the nation in the best way in all sporting events.

Abdel Moneim Al-Hashemi, chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and senior vice president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, also congratulated the UAE delegation on their great achievement, as he extended thanks to the leadership for their constant support for the sport in the country.

“I want to appreciate the champions and their families because they made many sacrifices to reach this achievement, and we must know that four gold medals out of 10 other medals did not come from nowhere but are the result of great support from the wise leadership and limitless sacrifices from coaches and players over many years, in camps, tournaments, and training,”