ABU DHABI, 14th November, 2024 (WAM) -- The 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is in full swing at Mubadala Arena, with Thursday featuring qualifying matches in the professional purple, brown, and black belt categories across various weight divisions.
The first day of the three-day professional division competition brought together elite athletes from around the globe for a series of high-stakes matchups. In each weight category, two competitors from each country will advance, securing their place in the main bracket competitions.
H.E. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said, “The professional category competitions are the highlight of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, where we see high levels of energy and intensity over a three-day event. Elite champions will compete fiercely tomorrow in the initial rounds, leading to the finals that will decide the titleholders. These competitions showcase the remarkable skills of black belt holders, who consistently deliver impressive and praiseworthy performances worthy of wide attention.
Al Dhaheri praised the continuous development of the championship in line with best practices, underscoring its role in promoting the sport of jiu-jitsu globally and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as the world capital of the sport and the top destination for top-tier competitors.
He added, “The country qualifiers system for the professional category ensures equal opportunities for participants, raising the level of competition and giving each player the chance to shine and succeed.”
Al Dhaheri expressed his pride in the outstanding performances of Emirati athletes who have qualified for the main bracket rounds in the professional category. He highlighted the importance of having champions from the UAE participating and achieving in major international tournaments.
He emphasised that their remarkable achievements are a source of pride and confidence, and that they are well-positioned to continue their success and reach the podium.
Aysha Alshamsi, who qualified in the professional category competitions in the 49 kg purple belt division, said, “I am proud to have made it to tomorrow’s rounds, and I see this as an essential step towards achieving my dream of winning the championship title. I’ll give my best on the mat, focusing on studying the strengths and weaknesses of my potential opponents, drawing on my past experience in the championship, and creating strategies to help me stand out. My ambition is to reach the podium.”
The competition continues tomorrow, Friday, with the finals for the purple and brown belts and the black belt main bracket competitions. The event will conclude the following day with the black belt finals for the professional category, from 18:00 to 20:00. The Abu Dhabi World Jiu-Jitsu Award ceremony will take place on Sunday evening.