6th Asian Beach Game: UAE Jiu-Jitsu stars strike double gold on opening day in China
Emirati athletes excel across men’s and women’s divisions in Sanya
DUBAI – The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team made a commanding start to its campaign at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, held from April 22 to 30.
The team secured four medals on the opening day, comprising two gold, one silver and one bronze. The results reflected a strong technical performance across both men’s and women’s categories.
It also underlined the squad’s competitive readiness at continental level, following structured preparation in the lead-up to the tournament.
Golden start
In the men’s 62kg category, Khaled Al Shehhi and Omar Al Suwaidi delivered a standout performance by both reaching the final, ensuring an all-UAE showdown for gold. Al Shehhi clinched the gold medal, while Al Suwaidi settled for silver after a disciplined contest between teammates. Their performances highlighted the UAE’s dominance in the weight division, driven by tactical execution and match control throughout the competition.
The internal final was seen as a reflection of the squad’s depth, with both athletes navigating earlier rounds confidently before producing a closely fought decider. The result ensured a strong start for the men’s contingent on the opening day of action in Sanya.
UAE Women
The UAE women’s team also made a significant mark, continuing the momentum set by their male counterparts. Asma Al Hosani secured gold in the 52kg category after a composed series of bouts that demanded precision and tactical awareness. Her victory added to the UAE’s gold tally and reinforced the growing strength of female athletes in the national jiu-jitsu programme.
In the 63kg division, Shamma Al Kalbani earned the bronze medal after a competitive run through her bracket. Her podium finish contributed to the overall medal count and reflected consistency across the women’s squad, which continues to expand its presence in regional and continental competitions.
Preparation
Team officials attributed the results to a comprehensive preparation programme focusing on technical refinement, physical conditioning and mental resilience. The approach was designed to equip athletes for varied competitive styles and high-pressure match situations typical of continental tournaments.
Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said the achievements reflect long-term investment in athlete development. He noted that the results demonstrate “an integrated system capable of achieving accomplishments at various levels” and added that the success is an extension of sustained institutional work supporting the sport.
Gold medallist Khaled Al Shehhi described his final against teammate Omar Al Suwaidi as a defining moment, stating that the outcome belonged to the UAE as a whole. He added that internal competition strengthens performance standards and helps elevate overall team quality.
Asma Al Hosani also highlighted the importance of preparation, noting that her victory was built on attention to technical detail and match awareness. She said the contest required high concentration and quick decision-making, adding that winning gold at continental level reflects the progress of Emirati women in the sport.
Jiu-jitsu events will continue in Sanya over the coming days, with the UAE team aiming to extend its medal tally and further consolidate its position among the leading nations in the competition.