UAE Jiu-Jitsu team heads to China for 6th Asian Beach Games challenge
Sanya event to host 3,800 athletes from 45 nations
ABU DHABI – The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has departed for China to compete in the sixth Asian Beach Games, scheduled to take place in Sanya from April 22 to 30.
The squad leaves following an intensive preparation phase designed to sharpen both technical execution and physical conditioning ahead of the continental event.
The competition marks a significant milestone for the team as it returns to a multi-sport stage featuring elite athletes from across Asia.
Continental stage
Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia, the Games will see around 3,800 male and female athletes from 45 countries competing in 14 sports. The scale of participation highlights the importance of the event within Asia’s sporting calendar, offering a diverse and competitive environment across disciplines.
For the UAE, the tournament represents more than participation. It provides a platform to measure progress, test adaptability against varied fighting styles, and reinforce its position as one of the region’s leading forces in jiu-jitsu.
The UAE delegation is led by Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Technical Director at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, who underlined the value of competing in such a setting. He noted that the Games serve as a benchmark for athletes to assess their development under dynamic conditions, while contributing to broader efforts aimed at maintaining technical and tactical excellence.
He added that the return of the Games, last held in 2016 in Vietnam, is expected to elevate competition standards, with strong teams from across Asia set to participate.
Squad strength
Athlete Asma Al Hosani highlighted the team’s preparation, pointing to a focus on improving technical readiness, reading opponents and adapting to different match scenarios. She emphasised the importance of precision and quick decision-making at this level, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to perform strongly and compete for medals.
The UAE will field a balanced squad of male and female athletes. The men’s team includes Omar Alsuwaidi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Sultan Hassan, Sultan Jabr, Mahdi Al Awlaqi and Sultan Al Hosani. The women’s line-up features Hessa Al Shamsi, Asma Al Hosani, Zamzam Al Hammadi, Shamsa Al Ameri, Shamma Al Kalbani and Muhrah Mahfoudh.
Participation in the Games aligns with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s strategy to strengthen its presence in multi-sport competitions, which continue to play a key role in showcasing the sport’s growth and competitive standards.