Latest news with #IMMAFYouthWorldChampionships
Al Etihad
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
IMMAF Youth World Championship: Saif Alblooshi is UAE's golden boy
23 July 2025 21:23 Al Ain (Aletihad)Saif Alblooshi clinched the first gold medal for UAE at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the Youth B (14–15 years) 40-kilogramme delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold in the tournament by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division. Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze. The event, hosted in Al Ain for the first time and running until July 27, is held 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 third day of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight competitions were attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation, President of the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade; Rashed Al Manei, the Director General of Al Ain City Municipality; Yousef Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; among other dignitaries. Mohammed Al Hosani, MMA committee member at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, said, "We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year's championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event."
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
Sixth edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships kicks off in Al Ain
22 July 2025 09:51 AL AIN (WAM) 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, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships kicked off on Monday at ADNEC Centre Al event, held in the city for the first time, features a record participation of more than 1,000 male and female athletes representing 60 by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant atmosphere, with strong attendance from spectators and the participation of rising talent from across the the first time since the championship's inception, competitions in the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, were held. This milestone reflects the organisers' commitment to broadening participation and supporting the development of young athletes from an early of IMMAF, Kerrith Brown, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. He noted that this edition is the largest since the championship began in 2019 and serves as an ideal platform for cultural exchange and for promoting positive values among youth added that the UAE has become a leading model for hosting international sporting events, supported by its ambitious vision, world-class infrastructure and commitment to empowering youth in the field of Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, said, "Hosting the championship in the Al Ain Region for the first time reflects the international sporting community's confidence in the UAE's organisational capabilities. It also highlights the country's efforts to enhance its sports infrastructure and expand its hosting map to cover all emirates."He added that the inclusion of the Youth D category this year introduces a new dimension to the competition and aligns with a forward-thinking vision to support and nurture talent from a young age.'This contributes to developing future champions, instilling a positive competitive spirit early on, and preparing a generation with the skills and mindset needed to represent the UAE on the global stage,' he Dhaheri expressed his sincere gratitude to the wise leadership and extended his appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of this global event. He emphasised that such support serves as a powerful motivator for the younger generations to continue striving for excellence and to elevate Emirati sports to greater of the United States national team, Kyle Wilson, said his team is participating in the championship with around 30 male and female athletes, praising the outstanding level of organisation.
Al Etihad
4 days ago
- Sport
- Al Etihad
IMMAF Youth World Championships kick off on Monday in Al Ain
20 July 2025 20:19 AL AIN (WAM)The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships is set to begin on Monday at Al Ain for the very first 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, the event will run from July 21-27 at ADNEC Centre Al than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships' history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years).The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year's success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE's growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth.'The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment, and cultural exchange. 'The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes' capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,' Al Hosani added.
Web Release
4 days ago
- Sport
- Web Release
IMMAF Youth World Championships kick off tomorrow in Al Ain
The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships will get underway Monday at Al Ain for the very first time. Held 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, the event will run from July 21 to 27 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. More than 1,000 male and female athletes from over 60 countries will compete in what is shaping up to be the biggest edition in the championships' history. Participants will compete across four age divisions: Youth D (10–11 years), Youth C (12–13 years), Youth B (14–15 years), and Youth A (16–17 years). The UAE National Team enters the competition with 57 athletes, following a training camp in Phuket, Thailand as part of their final preparations. The team is aiming for a strong showing and hopes to build on last year's success, where they finished fourth overall and secured 12 medals. Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee, UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mix Martial Arts Federation, said that hosting the championship in Al Ain for the first time with a record number of participants reflects the UAE's growing stature on the global combat sports map. He described the event as a sporting and cultural platform that promotes cross-cultural understanding and empowers youth. 'The championship serves as a launchpad for future champions and a bridge to connect nations through sports. A series of tailored experiences have also been designed for the athletes and delegations, offering them a well-rounded Emirati experience that blends hospitality, entertainment, and cultural exchange. 'The UAE National Team is approaching the championship with high spirits and a strong sense of determination. We have all the confidence in athletes' capabilities to deliver a powerful performance that highlights the progress of MMA in the country,' Al Hosani added.
Gulf Today
16-07-2025
- Sport
- Gulf Today
Record participation for IMMAF Youth World Championships
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation is ramping up final preparations to host the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, which will take place in Al Ain from July 21 to 27. More than 1,000 male and female athletes from 60 countries are set to compete, marking a record number of participants and highlighting the event's growing global profile. Leading countries taking part include reigning champions Ukraine, as well as the United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, the UAE, and Armenia. This year, the championship will be held in Al Ain for the first time, while the UAE continues its role as host for the fourth consecutive year. Participation has surged from 200 athletes in the third edition held in 2022 to over 1,000 this year. The sharp increase confirms the championship's rising popularity and the UAE's key role in transforming it into a preferred destination for young talent in mixed martial arts. His Excellency Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said that preparations are progressing according to a comprehensive plan covering all organisational, logistical, and technical aspects. The Federation is working closely with local and international partners to deliver an outstanding edition that reflects the UAE's reputation for hosting world-class sporting events. 'This year's championship has attracted record participation, reflecting the rapid development of the event and reinforcing its position as a global platform for preparing the future stars of MMA,' Al Dhaheri said. 'Bringing the competition to Al Ain marks a significant step forward, building on the successes of previous editions in Abu Dhabi.' Al Dhaheri added that the 2025 edition will offer a well-rounded experience for athletes, delegations, and spectators. Alongside the high-level competition, a range of cultural and entertainment programmes will help cement the championship's status as a leading international event and a meeting point for emerging talent. Meanwhile, the UAE National Team continues its preparations at a training camp in Thailand, focused on enhancing both physical and technical readiness. The camp aims to ensure the athletes deliver a strong performance that reflects the development of MMA in the UAE and positions them to compete for top honours at the championship. Meanwhile, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team are preparing to compete at the 2025 edition of The World Games in Chengdu, China, taking place from Aug. 7 to 17. The team are aiming to build on their impressive performance at the previous edition in the US in 2022 and continue to raise the UAE's standing in the global jiu-jitsu scene. The team includes six athletes who will represent the nation across various weight categories: Mohammed Alsuwaidi (69 kg), Mehdi Alawlaki (77 kg), Saeed Alkubaisi (85 kg), Asmaa Alhosani (52 kg), Shamsa Alameri (57 kg), and Shamma Alkalbani (63 kg). Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said, 'Taking part in a major international event like The World Games reflects the strong presence the UAE has built in jiu-jitsu.
