Al Ain wins Jiu-Jitsu title at Hafeet Sport Challenge in Al Ain
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Al Ain: UAE – Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club won first place in the jiu-jitsu competition at the Hafeet Sport Challenge. The team finished ahead of Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, which came second. Meanwhile, Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured third place in the exciting tournament.
The championship ended on Friday at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club. Athletes from Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 age groups took part in the event. In total, many leading clubs and academies from across the UAE joined the competition, making it one of the most active youth tournaments in the region.
Unlike regular events, the matches followed an open belt format. As a result, players with different belt levels competed against each other. Because of this format, the fights were fast, challenging, and full of energy. In addition, athletes used different styles and smart tactics to win their matches. This approach raised the level of competition and encouraged players to perform at their best.
The Hafeet Sport Challenge is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region. It is known as the largest sports event in Al Ain. More than 4,000 athletes are taking part in 36 different sports. Therefore, the event plays a big role in supporting sports development in the city.
According to Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, adding jiu-jitsu to the challenge shows how important the sport has become. He explained that jiu-jitsu promotes healthy lifestyles, especially during the UAE’s Year of the Family. Furthermore, he said the federation wants to make jiu-jitsu part of daily family life so children can grow stronger both physically and mentally.
Saeed Abdullah Ahmed Al Jabri, a member of the Higher Organising Committee, also praised the event. He noted that the championship gives athletes valuable chances to compete and improve. At the same time, it highlights the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu across the UAE.
Zayed Al Kaabi, coach of Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, said the tournament was an important opportunity to evaluate the athletes’ performance. In fact, the club entered around 150 athletes in different age groups. Consequently, the event helped coaches measure progress and plan future training.
Parents were equally proud of the young players. For example, Omar Mohammed Bashir, father of an Under-14 athlete from Al Ain Club, said the competition boosted his son’s confidence. Moreover, he noticed clear improvement in his son’s commitment to training and preparation.
In the Under-16 55 kg division, Rashid Mohammed Al Hammadi from Al Ain Club won a bronze medal. Although the open belt format was challenging, he said the experience helped him adapt to different fighting styles. In the end, he thanked his coaches for their guidance and support.
Overall, the Hafeet Sport Challenge continues to bring young athletes together. Through events like this, sports culture in Al Ain and across the UAE keeps growing stronger each year.
