MOD UAE emerged as the leading medal winner at the conclusion of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship held at Shabab Al Ahli Club on Sunday. Commando Group and Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club secured second and third places, respectively, during the event that included both amateur and professional categories. This year's competition attracted participation from 74 clubs and academies worldwide, an increase from 64 last year. A total of 310 male and female athletes competed on the final day.
Kastriot Mustafi from Swiss club Ruckus JJ clinched the gold medal in the professional 120kg category. Mustafi expressed his delight, stating, "It's fantastic to have come to Dubai, competed in this championship, and secured the gold. Winning today after several tough matches feels incredible. The organisation was excellent, and it was a great experience to compete against such skilled opponents. I’m looking forward to coming back and competing again."
Hessa Al Shamsi of Al Wahda Jiu-Jitsu Club won the gold medal in the 55kg professional women’s category, enhancing her preparation for the upcoming world championship. Al Shamsi remarked, "Winning gold today is a significant achievement, especially as I prepare for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This victory comes after intense training and is a great boost as I gear up for the challenges ahead."
Muhrah Mahfoudh of Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy also claimed the gold in the 62kg professional women’s category. Mahfoudh shared, "Winning gold and representing Al Wahda Club at this level is a proud moment for me. Competing against athletes who will also be in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship has given me valuable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, which will be crucial for my preparation. I’m grateful to our leadership for their limitless support, which has helped us reach this level of competition."
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Youssef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation; Mohamed Hussain Al Marzooqi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications, UAEJJF; Ali Omar Al Balushi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council; and Ahmed Al Janahi, Chief Events Implementation Officer at the Dubai Sports Council. Youssef Abdullah Al Batran praised the event, stating, "This round of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship has been a great success. The event attracted some of the top international jiu-jitsu stars with black, brown, and purple belts, who delivered outstanding performances that captivated the audience. It also provided an excellent platform for our young talents in the youth and kids categories to showcase their skills, in line with the Federation’s focus on developing the next generation of athletes."
Ali Omar Al Balushi, Director of Sports Events at Dubai Sports Council, expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting the collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. "We are pleased to be part of the sixth edition of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This event underscores the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s commendable efforts in organising world-class local, continental, and international events, featuring top international athletes as well as Emirati champions who have won international medals. Dubai Sports Council values our collaboration with the Federation, which supports athletes across all age and weight categories. Today, we see many Emirati champions competing in international championships and achieving top positions, thanks to the high standards of organisation. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to host more championships in Dubai in the future."
