Abu Dhabi to host 27th Jiu-Jitsu World Championships next month – News

Some 2,000 men and women from more than 70 countries are expected to take part in the prestigious event, which will take place in the capital for the third year running from October 29 to November 8

The UAE national team retained the title at last year’s JJWC. — photos provided

Next month, Abu Dhabi will be the center of the Jiu-Jitsu world for the third year in a row, when it welcomes some 2,000 men and women from more than 70 countries to compete in the 27th Jiu-Jitsu World Championships.

Organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the event will be held at Zayed’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena from 29 October to 8 November at Sports City.

The 11-day event attracts the world’s best entrants of all ages and is expected to attract male and female talent of all ages, competing in four categories: Adult, Under-21, Under-18 and 16 under age.

The UAE won a total of 53 medals, including 18 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze. — photos provided

“JJIF’s decision to commission us again to host this prestigious global event demonstrates their strong belief in Abu Dhabi’s ability to successfully host sporting events,” said Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of UAEJJF.

“It sees the emirate as an exemplary platform for planning and hosting the most important championships. The fact that the city will host the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships for the third consecutive year is a testament not only to this trust, but also to the success of previous editions.

“The UAE and Abu Dhabi continue to be critical to the growth of Jiu-Jitsu globally and we have been working hard to encourage international organisations to further promote the sport. As home to the headquarters of the Asian and International Jiu-Jitsu Federations, we are also working to improve Cooperation with other federations.”

While participants are expected to fly to Abu Dhabi from more than 70 countries, Al Dhaheri said the UAE national team has already begun preparations. “Our athletes are determined to defend their title and build on their previous success, especially their recent performance at the World Games, where they won a historic five medals.”

The UAE JJF recently approved plans for the national team, including internal and external preparation battalions. The men’s team includes Faisal Al Ketbi, Omar Al Fadhli, Muhammad Al Omari, Muhammad Al Suwaidi, Mahdi Al Awlaki, Khaled Al Shehhi and Diab Al Nuaimi among others. Female players such as Hamda Al Shukaili, Balqis Al Hashimi, Shamma Al Kalbani, Bashayer Al Matroushi, Mira Al Saadi, Amna Al Hosani, Zamzam Al Hammadi and Mahra Mahfouz will represent strong women’s teams.

The UAE national team retained the title at last year’s JJWC. The country won a total of 53 medals, including 18 gold, 16 silver and 19 bronze.