Young athletes continue to impress at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain
Day four of the championship at ADNEC Centre Al Ain saw strong performances from several national teams, with the UAE continuing to impress. The national team's medal tally now stands at 11, including one gold, two silver, and eight bronze.
H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: 'This year's edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships highlights the UAE's capability to host major international sporting events with a high level of professionalism. The championship has succeeded in attracting talent from across the globe and in providing a competitive environment that meets the ambitions of young athletes.
'We are also witnessing strong attendance and broad participation, which shows that the event is not just a sports competition. It is a global platform for developing future stars and strengthening connections between nations.'
Abdullah Al Jabarin, coach of the UAE national youth MMA team, added, 'The level of competition this year is very high, and the matches have been challenging for all teams. Most of our athletes are participating in a global championship of this scale for the first time, making this a valuable learning experience.
'Our athletes have shown great commitment and earned several medals that reflect their progress. We continue to prepare intensively for the remaining days of the championship and are confident we can add more medals to our tally.'
Attention now turns to the start of the Youth A (16–17 years) category on Friday, widely regarded as one of the strongest divisions in terms of technical level and fight experience. Several exciting matchups are expected, with results likely to influence the overall standings. Teams from Ukraine, England, and the United States remain in strong contention, while the UAE team looks to maintain its momentum.
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Day five of the IMMAF Youth World Championships on Friday marked the start of the Youth A (16–17 years) category, widely regarded as the most competitive and technically advanced division of the event. The day featured intense matchups between top athletes from around the world, delivering high-level performances at ADNEC Centre Al Ain in front of an energetic crowd. The UAE raised its medal tally to 12, including one gold, two silver, and nine bronze. The championship, held in Al Ain until July 27, is organised under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of the Events and Activities Section at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: 'Starting the Youth A category is an important part of the championship, where the athletes' ambition is matched by their advanced skills. We are proud of how well the event is organised and the positive impact it has on both sport and the community. Holding the sixth edition in Al Ain shows our commitment to growing the sport and involving more people. The strong support from our leadership is a big reason for this success and helps the UAE stay a key player in the world of mixed martial arts.' Akef Mumtaz Siddiqui, father of Ayan Akef, who won bronze for India in the Youth A (56 kg) category, said: 'I'm glad my son won a medal today. It's a great moment for us, and we've really enjoyed being here in Al Ain. The venue is excellent, the organisation has been great, and everything feels truly professional and international. I'm happy we came and that my son could make it to the podium. We were aiming for gold, inshallah next time.' This year's edition has seen a noticeable increase in both the number of participating countries and athletes, earning widespread international praise for its organisation. Hosting the event in the Al Ain region has also enhanced community engagement and highlighted the city's cultural and tourism appeal, adding value to the overall championship experience. The Youth A competition continues on Saturday, with national teams aiming to improve their standings ahead of the championship's conclusion on Sunday. Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and Tajikistan remain among the top contenders on the medal table.
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