The UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team is preparing to make a significant impact at the World Jiu-Jitsu Cup, scheduled for Saturday, August 24, in Zadar, Croatia. Organized by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, this prestigious event will feature over 350 competitors from 24 nations, battling in various age categories and weight classes. The UAE squad, comprising 21 athletes, left for Croatia on Thursday. This marks the team’s fourth international outing this year, following successful campaigns at the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship, the Grand Prix Thailand Open, and the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union Regional Championship West Asia in Jordan.
Mubarak Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed: “Participation in the World Jiu-Jitsu Cup 2024 is integral to our ongoing mission to establish our supremacy in both continental and global competitions. It also aids in our preparation for future events and enhances our standing in the sport.” He further stated: “This competition is a crucial gauge of our team’s preparedness and offers invaluable experience by pitting our athletes against top-tier international teams. This aligns with our federation’s strategy to prioritize youth development, fostering and refining their skills. We are assured that our team members are fully dedicated and ready to compete fiercely and uphold the UAE’s reputation on the international stage.”
Pedro Damasceno, coach of the U18 team, highlighted: “The World Jiu-Jitsu Cup 2024 is pivotal as it will assess our current status and help us prepare for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece, which will be the most challenging event this year. Our athletes are prepared, and the national team is well-equipped. With robust support from the federation and clubs, we anticipate a smooth progression and aim for outstanding results.” He added: “We have four coaches supporting the team, with myself as the head coach for U18. We are grateful for the support from federation members and organizers, crucial to our preparations. We look forward to impressive performances from our fighters and are eager to test all we’ve practiced over the last two months.”
The U18 team roster includes Obaidi Saeed Alketbi (-52kg), Saeed Alnuaimi and Salem Alqabaisi (-62kg), Ahmed Andeez and Harib Alhammadi (-69kg), Abdulrahman Al Salah and Salem Salah (-77kg), and Abdulla Ahmed Aldarmaki and Theyab Aljneibi (-85kg). In the U16 category, Zayed Alhammadi and Hamdan Alnajar will compete in the -52kg division, Hamdan Mubarak Aldhaheri and Hazza Ahmed Alkaabi in the -56kg division, Saif Hamad Al Ameri and Mansour Alkaabi in the -62kg division, and Yousef Alkhoori and Abdulla Andeez in the -69kg division. For the U14 division, Saoud Alblooshi will compete in the -36kg category, Mayed Alhosani in the -40kg category, and Khalfan Mohamed Alqubaisi and Ahmed Alketbi will represent the UAE in the -48kg weight class.
