UAE scoops nine medals on opening day of Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Kazakhstan

ALMATY: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team made a strong start to the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship by winning nine medals in the men’s competition, including three gold, five silver and one bronze, on the opening day at Almaty Arena on Friday, where the championship continues until July 19.

The adults’ competition is the highest level of jiu-jitsu in Asia, and the UAE entered the championship as defending champions after topping the standings at the ninth event in Amman, Jordan, with a squad featuring some of the country’s most experienced international athletes.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, said: “The support jiu-jitsu receives from the UAE’s wise leadership has helped create a clear pathway for athlete development, starting from the youth categories and preparing athletes to compete at the highest level.

“The adults’ team represents the final stage of that pathway. This championship brings together Asia’s best athletes and tests their experience, preparation and ability to perform under pressure. We entered the competition as defending champions, which brings greater expectations and makes every contest important in the race for the overall title.

“Today’s results have given us a positive start, but our focus is on maintaining this momentum throughout the rest of the championship. We want consistent performances across all weight divisions and the ability to turn opportunities into victories as we aim to retain our continental title.”

Gold medals were won by Omar Al-Suwaidi (Under 56kg), Khaled Al-Shehhi (Under 62kg) and Rashid Al-Himany (+94kg). Silver medals went to Rashed Al-Shehhi (Under 56kg), Omar Al-Fadhli (Under 69kg), Mahdi Al-Awlaqi (Under 77kg),