UAE jiu-jitsu team wins 7 medals at World Championship in Thailand
Mubadala-backed athletes dominate under-16 category in Bangkok showdown
DUBAI/BANGKOK – The UAE jiu-jitsu national team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, made a commanding start at the 2025 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship (U16, U18, U21) in Bangkok, Thailand, securing seven medals on the opening day.
The event, running from November 8 to 14, is one of the most prestigious competitions organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, attracting national teams from across continents to compete in three main age categories.
The UAE’s haul included two gold, two silver and three bronze medals in the boys’ under-16 division, reflecting the team’s depth and preparation.
Impressive medal haul
Leading the charge were Ali Alnajar and Hazza Alkaabi, who captured gold medals in the 52kg and 56kg categories respectively. Rakan Alyammahi and Ghanem Alali added silver medals in the 44kg and 52kg divisions, while Mohammed Juma Aldarmaki, Khalfan Alqubaisi, and Fahad Saoud Aldhaheri clinched bronze in the 40kg, 56kg, and 62kg categories.
Their success set a strong tone for the UAE team, marking an encouraging start to the week-long tournament. The athletes’ determination and performance on the mats underscored the nation’s growing prominence in the global jiu-jitsu arena.
Federation praises new generation
Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, lauded the athletes for their outstanding performances, calling the results “a promising start for the national team.”
He said, “Today’s results spotlight a new generation of athletes that embodies our vision of building a strong base of champions capable of competing at the highest levels. These achievements are the result of our preparation programmes and training camps focused on developing skill and mental discipline.”
Al Menhali added that the athletes’ confidence and composure reflected the effectiveness of the UAE’s long-term investment in youth divisions, which he described as the cornerstone of sustained success in jiu-jitsu.
Voices of victory
Gold medallist Ali Alnajar, who triumphed in the 52kg category, described his win as a dream come true. “Winning gold at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship has always been a dream for me. I’m proud to have raised the UAE flag on the global stage. The matches were tough, but the confidence we gained from training and the support of our coaches made all the difference,” he said.
He dedicated his victory to the UAE leadership and the national federation, vowing to continue striving for more international titles.
Fellow champion Hazza Alkaabi, who topped the 56kg division, echoed similar sentiments. “The competition was strong from the first match, but our focus and team spirit pushed us to give our best. Standing on the podium and hearing the UAE national anthem was an unforgettable moment,” he said.
Next up: Girls’ competition
The championship continues on Sunday, November 9, with the girls’ under-16 category, where the UAE team aims to build on its strong momentum and expand its medal tally. With the early results reflecting the federation’s strategic emphasis on youth development, all eyes are now on the young Emirati athletes as they continue to represent the nation on the world stage.