Abu Dhabi:More than 3,000 athletes are set to compete in the eighth and final round of the third Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship, starting Friday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, the three-day competition will run until Sunday, featuring clubs and academies vying for the Gi team title after seven rounds. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club currently leads the overall Gi standings, with Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club and Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club in second and third place respectively. Each match offers a chance to earn valuable points, keeping the title race open.
Friday’s events will include the Under-18, Adults, and Masters categories for both men and women. On Saturday, boys and girls in the Kids categories will compete, followed by the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 competitions on Sunday. The championship will conclude with a ceremony honoring the top clubs in the overall standings.
Throughout the season, the championship has provided athletes with opportunities to test their skills, while clubs and academies have been able to assess and improve their training programs. Family support has also played a crucial role, encouraging wider participation in jiu-jitsu.
Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the significance of the final round as a decisive moment after a long season of hard work. He highlighted the championship's role in helping athletes compete, improve, and showcase their talent.
Rakan Al Yamahi, an Under-18 blue belt from Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, mentioned the narrow points gap between leading clubs, stressing the importance of each match for the final standings. Mouza Al Rashdi, competing for Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, expressed her determination to perform well in the final round to help her team climb the standings, noting the experience and focus gained throughout the season.
The final round will mark the conclusion of the championship's third edition, which has successfully brought together clubs and academies from across the UAE to nurture emerging jiu-jitsu talent.
