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Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Baniyas dominates medals table as little warriors capture hearts in Abu Dhabi
While Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club walked away with the team title, it was the young fighters, some barely tall enough to see over the scoring table, who stole the spotlight on the final day of Round 4 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena. Dozens of athletes in the Kids and Under-12 Gi divisions battled it out with skill and heart that belied their age, as a crowd of proud parents and passionate fans cheered from the packed gallery. From flying armbars to last-second escapes, the day was filled with the kind of drama that reminded everyone why jiu-jitsu has become one of the UAE's fastest-growing sports. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club secured the top team spot, with Al Jazira and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Clubs rounding out the podium. But beyond rankings, Sunday was a celebration of the sport's bright future. Environment for Champions Among the dignitaries in attendance were prominent figures from across government and sport, including Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the UAE Media Council, and Abdulmunem Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, among many others. Mohamed Humaid Hamad Dalmouj Aldhaheri, a Board Member of the UAEJJF, praised the event's mission. 'Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship reflects the wise leadership's vision of empowering individuals, nurturing future generations, and strengthening community bonds through sport," Aldhaheri, said. "The leadership's continued support, including the directive of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed to double the prize pool, inspires the entire jiu-jitsu community.' His words were echoed by Maisara Mahmoud Eid, who highlighted the broader impact. 'This is a real example of how sport builds character, discipline, and a sense of purpose, all supported by visionary leadership that believes in developing people as the nation's greatest asset," Maisara said. More Than Just Medals The emotional core of the day came from the stories off the mat. Hamad Nasseeb Al Ahbabi, father of standout competitor Matar Al Ahbabi,,said: 'Anyone who's seen my son's progress in jiu-jitsu understands how much this sport can transform young lives… The generous prize initiative from His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed is a clear sign of how much the leadership cares about motivating and supporting the nation's youth.' Diana Nurislamova from Russia, whose son Danis competed in the under-12s, praised the experience: 'Danis gained far more than just technique. He has learnt patience, teamwork, and respect. "We are truly thankful for the UAE's vision and the way it supports young athletes from all nationalities.' As the mats were rolled up and medals awarded, it was clear the real winners were the young competitors whose journeys were just beginning. With Round 4 now concluded, all eyes turn to August, when the championship resumes its mission of nurturing the next generation of heroes, one fight at a time.
Khaleej Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Khaleej Times
Salma Al Mansoori and Noura Al Ghilani steal Jiu-Jitsu spotlight at Mubadala Arena
The Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship delivered another thrilling chapter at Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Arena this weekend, as the spotlight turned to the sport's rising stars in the Under-14 and Under-16 divisions. With the stands packed with passionate supporters, the competition on the mats was fierce as the event continued to build momentum, serving as a key proving ground for the UAE's next generation of champions. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club, champions of the Mother of the Nation Jiu‑Jitsu Cup in March across women's and youth divisions, tightened its grip at the top of the leaderboard, while Al Jazira and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Clubs were in close pursuit in second and third place. The championship, organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), which was officially established in November 2012 under the directive of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, has quickly become a pivotal stage for discovering and developing young talent from across the country. More than 1,800 boys and girls are currently competing at the Mubadala Arena, making it one of the most well-attended grassroots sporting events on the national calendar. While dignitaries and guests it it was the athletes on the mats who commanded the spotlight, and none more so than the rising talents from Baniyas and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Clubs. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club in particular extended its dominance with a wave of impressive performances, most notably by Salma Rashid Al Mansoori, who clinched gold in the fiercely contested Girls U14 -44kg grey belt division. Her victory wasn't just another medal, it was a symbol of months of demanding training and total dedication. 'This gold medal is the result of her hard work and focus,' said her proud mother, Sarah Al Mansoori, watching her daughter shine on one of the sport's biggest local stages. 'Winning in a tournament that carries such a respected name makes it more meaningful. We are also thankful to the leadership for increasing the prize money. It was a huge motivator.' Salma's win capped off a strong day for Baniyas, who continued to set the tone across divisions and looked increasingly difficult to dislodge at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Al Jazira Club's Noura Nasser Al Ghilani left a lasting impression of her own. She powered through the Girls U16 -80kg grey belt category to secure gold, showcasing both technical skill and mental toughness. 'This win means a lot to me and my team,' said Noura. 'Jiu-jitsu has given me so much: confidence, discipline, and a drive to succeed. I thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for their incredible support and promise to keep training hard to represent the UAE internationally.' These personal milestones not only reflect the level of competition at the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship but also highlight the growing depth of talent within the UAE's grassroots jiu-jitsu scene. 'Jiu-jitsu is a national and community sport in every sense,' said Dr Khalifa Mubarak Al Dhaheri, Chancellor of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. 'This championship is well-organised and held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. 'The high level of organisation shows how much the sport has grown in the UAE and how well it is received by the community,' Al Dhaheri added. The championship's appeal has been further boosted by the decision to double the prize pool this year, a move welcomed by athletes and clubs alike.
