Abu dhabi: Round 4 of the Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Jiu-Jitsu Championship in its third edition got underway today at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, with strong performances and closely contested matches in the Youth, Adults, and Masters divisions. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club finished the opening day at the top of the standings, followed by Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club in second place and M.O.D UAE in third.
According to Emirates News Agency, the opening day featured a high level of competition, with many matches decided by fine margins as athletes demonstrated strong technical ability, tactical awareness, and effective match management throughout their contests. The event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including Mohamed Haji Al Khoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation; Muna Al Dhaheri, Director-General of Operational Affairs at Abu Dhabi Executive Office; and several board members of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation.
Muna Al Dhaheri emphasized that the championship goes beyond competition for medals, highlighting the success of a sporting model built on strong planning and sustained participation. She credited the UAE's leadership for creating an environment that enables sports federations and clubs to achieve their goals and contribute to community development.
Mohammed Hussein Al Marzooqi noted that the championship provides clubs and athletes with valuable opportunities to measure their progress throughout the season. The participation of more than 2,500 athletes underscores the growth of jiu-jitsu in the UAE and the championship's role in talent development.
Shamma Al Kalbani, an international athlete from ADMA Academy, expressed her joy after winning gold in the Adult Brown Belt 62 kg division, attributing her success to rigorous training and support from her family and academy. She looks forward to achieving even better results in the future.
Round 4 continues with competitions in the Under-14 and Under-16 categories, before concluding with contests in the Under-12 and Kids divisions. The Supporting Family Award initiative, part of the Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Awards, recognizes the crucial role families play in athletes' sporting journeys.
