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The National
an hour ago
- Sport
- The National
Martial arts prodigy Saif Al Blooshi scores gold at IMMAF Youth Worlds
At 15, Saif Al Blooshi can already claim to have won two world titles in martial arts. The Ajman schoolboy is now a double gold medallist at the International Mixed Martial Art Federation's (IMMAF) Youth World Championships, adding to the title he won at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship last year. Having made a successful debut in the IMMAF Youth Worlds in 2023, Al Blooshi had to settle for silver in the same event the following year. But that only made him work harder as he bounced back by recording four submissions before a unanimous decision over Tajikistan's Azizullo Mirzoev in the 40-kilogram 14-15 age category final for his second gold in the IMMAF event at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain last week. 'It's been good so far in both my MMA and jiu-jitsu but more work ahead if I have to continue taking my game into the next level,' Al Blooshi told The National. 'It's all about hard work and the sacrifices. When you are successful, it certainly fires your passion for more although success isn't guaranteed, like in any sport. But Alhamdulillah, it has paid off for me and I'm really enjoying it.' Al Blooshi is another youngster who has emerged from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's school programme and made a successful MMA debut when his coach Ibrahim Al Hosani, a former member of the UAE national jiu-jitsu team, got him into MMA. 'I have been in jiu-jitsu for over eight years and when my coach asked if I wanted to try MMA and a chance to compete in the IMMAF World Youths in Abu Dhabi in 2023, I thought 'why not?',' he said. 'I had a few months of training and won gold on my debut at the World Youths. From there onwards I kept training in jiu-jitsu and MMA and want to pursue both while balancing my studies. 'It didn't take much time to adapt to amateur MMA in which striking with the hands isn't allowed. I was at a decent level in my jiu-jitsu and here I am with two golds and a silver in the three championships.' Al Blooshi is also a member of the UAE national jiu-jitsu age group team. Last year, he bagged a gold in the JJIF World Youth Championship and bronze in the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship. The Emirati teenager has no long-term objectives as he insists on taking one step at a time in his burgeoning martial arts career. 'For the IMMAF World Youths last week, I was training seven days a week and twice a day. It was the summer holidays at school and it allowed me to focus on my preparation,' he said. Having won his second gold, Al Blooshi joined Zamzam Al Hammadi – the first Emirati female to sign a professional contract with the PFL – as a double gold medallist in the IMMAF World Youths. 'I'm still young and have a long road ahead even to think of becoming a MMA pro,' he added. 'I'll leave that for the time being and just focus on what I'm doing right now, which is representing my country. Insha Allah, we'll see where I can reach. 'Both the jiu-jitsu and MMA federations have supported me throughout my journey and of course my parents, particularly my mother. She's my biggest fan and support.' The UAE racked up one gold, two silvers and eight bronzes in the 2025 IMMAF World Youths. Zamzam's younger sister Ghala Al Hammadi and Mahra Al Azeezi secured the two silver medals.
Web Release
3 days ago
- Sport
- Web Release
Sixth Edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships Concludes in Al Ain Region, UAE Adds One More Medal to Take Total to 13
Sixth Edition of IMMAF Youth World Championships Concludes in Al Ain Region, UAE Adds One More Medal to Take Total to 13 The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships officially concluded Sunday in Al Ain Region following a week of high-level competition, strong community engagement, and widespread international acclaim. The final day saw the host nation add one more medal to its tally, taking the UAE's total to an impressive 13. The event was 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 and ran from July 21 to 27 at ADNEC Centre Al Ain. Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship was held in the Al Ain Region for the first time. This Initiative was held in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) and offered an exceptional showcase of talent, professionalism, and sporting spirit. This year's edition welcomed more than 1,000 athletes from 60 countries, competing across four youth divisions – making it the largest and most advanced championship in IMMAF history. At the conclusion of the event, Ukraine was crowned overall champions, followed by England in second place, and Tajikistan in third. The winning teams were honoured at the conclusion the event on Sunday. The UAE national youth team made a notable impact, securing 13 medals across gold, silver, and bronze categories. The results reflect the Federation's ongoing investment in youth development and technical excellence, strengthening the country's growing reputation on the global MMA stage. The final day also featured a ceremony honouring key partners and individuals who contributed to the success of the championship, including Kerrith Brown, President of the International IMMAF; ADNEC Centre Al Ain; the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi Police; SEHA; RDX and Abu Dhabi Sports Channels. H.E. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, expressed his pride in the event's success. 'This championship reflects the confidence the international MMA community places in the UAE's capabilities. Hosting this global event in Al Ain underscores our growing reputation for excellence in sports organisation,' he said. 'We are also proud of the outstanding performance of our young athletes. Their determination and discipline represent the spirit of our nation and reaffirm our leadership's vision to create opportunities for future generations in sport.' H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said, 'The rising popularity of combat sports in Abu Dhabi reflects a growing passion for athletic excellence and global sporting prestige. We are proud to welcome to the emirate the IMMAF Youth World Championships, a landmark event that highlights our commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing mixed martial arts on the world stage. Hosting the championship in Al Ain Region for the first time will not only showcase this dynamic destination but also further elevate Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier hub for international sports.'
Arab News
3 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
IMMAF Youth World Championships concludes in Al-Ain
AL-IN: The sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships officially concluded on Sunday with the UAE claiming another medal to take its total for the tournament to 13. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport This year's edition welcomed more than 1,000 athletes from 60 countries, competing in four youth divisions — making it the largest and most advanced championship in the history of the International Mixed Martial Ats Federation. At the conclusion of the event, Ukraine was crowned overall champion, followed by England in second place and Tajikistan in third. The winning teams were honoured at the conclusion of the event on Sunday. The UAE national youth team made a notable impact, securing 13 medals in the gold, silver and bronze categories. The results reflect the national federation's ongoing investment in youth development and technical excellence, strengthening the country's growing reputation on the global MMA stage. The final day also featured a ceremony to honor key partners and individuals who contributed to the success of the championship. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and chairman of the MMA Committee, expressed his pride in the event's success. 'This championship reflects the confidence the international MMA community places in the UAE's capabilities. Hosting this global event in Al-Ain underscores our growing reputation for excellence in sports organisation,' he said. 'We are also proud of the outstanding performance of our young athletes. Their determination and discipline represent the spirit of our nation and reaffirm our leadership's vision to create opportunities for future generations in sport.' Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship was held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and ran from July 21-27. Saleh Mohamed Al-Geziry, director general for tourism at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi, said: 'The rising popularity of combat sports in Abu Dhabi reflects a growing passion for athletic excellence and global sporting prestige. We are proud to welcome to the emirate the IMMAF Youth World Championships, a landmark event that highlights our commitment to nurturing young talent and advancing mixed martial arts on the world stage.' He said hosting the championship in Al-Ain for the first time would 'elevate Abu Dhabi's reputation as a premier hub for international sports.'
Arab News
4 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
Ukraine lead standings after Day 6 of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain
ALAIN: Day 6 of the IMMAF Youth World Championships featured action in the Youth A (16-17 years) category, as the competition heads into its final stretch with Ukraine at the top of the medal table. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The International Mixed Martial Arts federation tournament is taking place in the Al-Ain region for the first time, under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi. In Saturday's bouts, defending champions Ukraine held their lead and remain favorites to retain the title. England delivered another strong showing to stay close behind, while Tajikistan rounded out the top three. Mohammed Jasem Al-Hosani, member of the MMA committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: 'The sixth edition of this championship reflects the UAE's growing stature on the global mixed martial arts map. It sets a benchmark in professional organisation, community engagement, and international participation. The strong turnout and competitive spirit we've seen over the past week highlight the success of the federation's strategy to grow the sport and prepare new generations to represent their nations in elite competitions.' Gillian Pensavalle, mother of Valentina Pensavalle, who won gold in the Youth A bantamweight (61kg) division, said: 'We came all the way from England to take part in this important championship. We're thrilled with the result and proud of the gold medal. It took a lot of preparation and hard work. We've really enjoyed the experience. Al Ain region is a beautiful place, and the atmosphere at the event has been incredible. We're already looking forward to coming back next year.' The IMMAF Youth World Championships conclude on Sunday with the final bouts in the Youth A category. These matches will determine the final medal standings.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Sport
- Arab News
UAE raises medal tally to 12 on fifth day of IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain
AL-AIN: 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. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport 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 organized 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. 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 organized 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.' This year's edition has seen a noticeable increase in both the number of participating countries and athletes, earning widespread international praise for its organization. Hosting the event in 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 UK, and Tajikistan remain among the top contenders on the medal table.
