UAE jiu-jitsu team wins 13 medals in under-21 at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship
UAE jiu-jitsu team claimed 13 medals in the under-21 category at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi, boosting the nation’s overall haul to 25 medals. (154 characters)
The UAE jiu-jitsu team collected 13 medals in the under-21 competitions at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The results raised the national tally to 25 medals when combined with the under-14 World Cup staged a day earlier. The event is organised by the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, with contests running through August 9, 2026.
Daily medal breakdown
Five Emirati athletes secured gold medals across several weight classes, contributing to the 13-medal day for the national squad. Abdulrahman Mohammed topped the podium in the under-56kg division, while Maryam Al Ali won gold at under-45kg. Ahmed Andiz captured the under-69kg title, Alnoud Al Harbi prevailed in under-48kg and Harib Al Hammadi took gold in under-62kg.
Silver medals were earned by Obeid Al Ketbi (under-56kg), Faisal Al Wahidi (under-69kg), Meera Al Hosani (under-48kg), Abdulrahman Al Najjar (above-94kg) and Aisha Al Junaibi (under-63kg). Bronze finishes came from Saif Al Amri (under-77kg), Dhiyab Al Junaibi (under-94kg) and Haneen Al Khouri (under-57kg).
Competitive standards and match highlights
Matches at Mubadala Arena on Sunday showed a high level of technical skill and physical preparedness among competitors from around the world. Several bouts were decided in decisive moments, with UAE judokas demonstrating tactical discipline and effective use of grips and transitions. The close scorelines and repeated lead changes reflected the depth of talent in the under-21 bracket.
Coaches noted that athletes who advanced to finals combined aggressive guard passing with solid positional control, and that many winners displayed improved stamina during later rounds. Observers credited the competitive structure and international field for pushing athletes to refine match strategies under pressure.
Crowd support and event atmosphere
The championship attracted a vocal crowd at Mubadala Arena, where family members and local fans packed the stands to back UAE participants. The visible support generated momentum for several Emirati fighters, who acknowledged the encouragement during medal ceremonies. Organisers said the turnout reinforced Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global jiu-jitsu hub.
Spectators also included visiting delegations and talent scouts, creating a diverse atmosphere around the mats. The arena’s facilities and scheduling enabled smooth transitions between categories, keeping matches on time and maintaining spectator engagement throughout the day.
Federation reaction and preparation credit
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, described the results as evidence of the athletes’ preparation and the effectiveness of training programmes. He highlighted sustained investment in youth development and praised the contribution of technical staff and support teams. Al Dhaheri linked the performance to national backing from leadership that has prioritised jiu-jitsu as a competitive sport in recent years.
He added that the World Championship affords younger athletes vital exposure to varied jiu-jitsu styles, sharpening their experience for future international competitions. Federation officials signalled plans to maintain intensive preparation cycles and to expand competitive opportunities for emerging weight categories.
Implications for youth development and future events
The success in the under-21 category feeds directly into the federation’s long-term athlete development model, which emphasises progression through under-14 and under-16 levels into junior and senior ranks. Talent identification efforts and an expanding domestic competition calendar were credited with broadening the pool of athletes capable of medalling at world events. Coaches said the day’s results will inform selections and training focuses ahead of continental tournaments and next year’s world circuit.
With under-16 contests scheduled for Monday, August 3, 2026, federation officials expressed optimism about adding more medals to the country’s haul. They plan to monitor recovery and adjust match tactics based on data gathered during Sunday’s competition.
Preparations for upcoming fixtures will prioritise weight management, recovery protocols and situational sparring to address weaknesses revealed in Abu Dhabi’s high-stakes matches. The federation also intends to continue international exchange programmes to expose promising athletes to diverse coaching methodologies.
The UAE’s combined 25 medals across the under-14 and under-21 events underline the country’s growing influence in global jiu-jitsu and its commitment to nurturing the next generation of champions.