UAE youth players gearing up in Thailand for IMMAF World Championships
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)The UAE Youth Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) team is undergoing intensive training in Phuket, Thailand, as part of its final preparations for the 2025 IMMAF Youth World Championships.The camp, which runs until July 19, aims to sharpen the skills of the young athletes ahead of the global competition taking place in Al Ain from July 21 to 27.The coaching staff has selected 20 athletes to take part in the camp, representing three youth age categories: Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years). Under the supervision of the coaching and administrative teams, the programme focuses on boosting physical fitness and refining technical and tactical abilities to ensure full readiness for the championship.Mubarak Al Menhali, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation's technical director, said the training camp in Thailand has created the right conditions for the team to stay focused and keep improving. He praised the athletes for their strong attitude and consistent discipline."The camp in Thailand is an important step in our preparation. We've seen clear progress in the athletes' performance, which shows how committed they are to representing the UAE in the best possible way at this major event," he said.Coach Zafiropoylos Apostolos added that the programme includes high-intensity sessions that closely mimic real competition scenarios, along with tactical drills designed to enhance decision-making under pressure. He also noted the personalised training approach and the team's strong sense of unity and cohesion.
The camp forms part of the national federation's broader strategy to continue its illustrious record of sporting achievements, elevate the nation's international rankings, and position the UAE as a leader in the global MMA landscape.
Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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