The 16th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, concluded on Saturday at Mubadala Arena. The event, organized by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation from November 6 to 16, featured 12 professional black belt finals, with the Commando Group leading the medal count, followed by MOD UAE and Checkmat International.
The black belt finals saw elite athletes from nine countries, including the UAE, Brazil, Spain, the United States, Hungary, Portugal, Canada, Australia, and Russia. UAE champions secured 11 medals, comprising two gold, five silver, and four bronze medals across all professional belt divisions.
Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, emphasized that Abu Dhabi is establishing itself as a global hub for jiu-jitsu, bringing together world champions from diverse cultures. The championship exceeded expectations in organization, participation, and technical standards, reflecting the vision of the UAE's leadership.
In the men's GI categories, Thalison Soares, Jefferson Fagundes, Thiago Macedo, Lucas Protasio, Uanderson Ferreira, Fellipe Andrew Silva, and Felipe Bezerra emerged victorious. In the women's finals, Grasielle Brandao, Maria Luisa Delahaye, Sarah Galvao, Lillian Marchand, and Yara Nascimento claimed gold medals.
For the first time, four Emiratis reached the professional black belt finals, securing four silver medals and one bronze. Abdulmunem Alhashmi praised the achievements of the national champions and thanked the clubs, families, partners, and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation team for their support.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
