UAE clubs shine as Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup concludes in Dubai
Baniyas and Al Jazira lead podium finishes
DUBAI – Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, crowned the winners of the Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup following two days of competition at Shabab Al Ahli Club in Dubai.
The championship drew wide participation from clubs and academies across the UAE, underlining the depth and reach of the sport at a domestic level.
The event served as a key benchmark for assessing team readiness and the effectiveness of training programmes, with athletes delivering disciplined performances and closely contested bouts. Competitors focused on maximising points and improving their standings as part of the national season calendar, reflecting a growing emphasis on structured progression within the sport.
Final results
The concluding day featured decisive contests across all divisions, with margins often determined by technical precision and tactical execution. Palms Sports - Team 777 secured the Under-14 title after a series of consistent performances, while Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club claimed top honours in the Under-16 category.
In the Under-18 division, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged victorious, demonstrating strong depth across its squad. Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club clinched the adults title, maintaining its competitive edge through a sequence of high-intensity matches that highlighted the narrow gaps separating leading teams.
The awards ceremony was attended by several senior officials, including Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Members of the Federation, and Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan, Chairman of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club. Nasser Khadem Al Kaabi, Vice Chairman of Baniyas Sports Club, was also present alongside representatives from the Dubai Sports Council and participating organisations.
Competitive depth
Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri congratulated the winning teams and commended the high level of competition throughout the championship. He noted that the tournament reflected the progress made by clubs and academies in developing athletes capable of performing under pressure.
He also highlighted the role of domestic competitions in providing valuable exposure, allowing technical teams to evaluate athletes in real match scenarios. According to him, the championship continues to hold a significant place in the UAE sporting calendar due to its combined competitive and developmental value.
The event also offered a platform for identifying emerging talent, with several young athletes demonstrating the potential to advance to higher levels of competition. Observers noted that the consistency and discipline displayed across divisions pointed to the sustained investment in grassroots and elite pathways within the sport.
Team reactions
Ahmed Saeed Al Jarwan said the achievement of Sharjah Self-Defense Sports Club reflected a collective effort across all levels of the organisation. He emphasised the importance of maintaining respect for opponents, referees and regulations as a core value within the club’s philosophy.
Obaid Al Kaabi, Board Member of Baniyas Sports Company, stated that retaining the adults title had been a primary objective. He attributed the result to squad depth and consistent preparation throughout the season, noting the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
Abdullah Al-Qama, Director of Jiu-Jitsu at Al Jazira Club, described the Under-18 victory as a significant milestone for the club and its athletes. He credited the Federation’s support and the club’s management for creating an environment that enables success at competitive levels.
Cassiano Cunha, Technical Director of Palms Sports - Team 777, said the Under-14 triumph validated the team’s training strategies. He pointed to the championship as a key indicator of performance standards, offering a clear reflection of the work undertaken during the season.