Al Ain, United Arab Emirates – Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club delivered a dominant performance in the prestigious Hafeet Sport Challenge, securing first place in the jiu-jitsu competition. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club finished second overall and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club finished third after the championships concluded on Friday at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club.

The event attracted immense participation of athletes under 14, 16 and 18 years of age, representing leading clubs and academies from the United Arab Emirates. Competing in an open lane format, athletes showcased high-intensity matches featuring a variety of technical styles and tactical adjustments. The format raised the level of competition, challenging participants from all age groups to perform at the highest level.

Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain region, the Hafeet Sport Challenge is the largest sports event in Al Ain. The multi-sport festival features over 4,000 athletes competing in 36 disciplines, highlighting the region’s robust commitment to sports and youth development.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the Federation of Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in the United Arab Emirates, emphasized the growing importance of jiu-jitsu in social sports initiatives.

He said the inclusion of jiu-jitsu in the Hafeet Sport Challenge reflects the sport’s growing role in promoting a hearty lifestyle. He noted that in the “Year of the Family”, the championships have additional significance, encouraging sports as a shared family activity and helping newborn athletes develop discipline and self-confidence. He added that the Federation’s goal is to incorporate jiu-jitsu into everyday family life, supporting the development of a physically and mentally balanced generation.

Saeed Abdullah Ahmed Al Jabri, member of the Hafeet Sport Challenge senior organizing committee, highlighted the event’s inclusive platform.

He said the championship brings together multiple sports and age groups under one roof, offering athletes a wide range of competition opportunities. He added that jiu-jitsu features prominently in the program due to its growing popularity and high competition standards, contributing to a well-rounded sports experience that reflects Al Ain’s robust sports culture.

Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club coach Zayed Al Kaabi described the tournament as a valuable benchmark for the evaluation and development of players.

He said about 150 athletes from various divisions had signed up for the club. He added: “The open lane format allows athletes of different levels to compete against each other, which helps them improve and gain experience, especially in the youth categories. We sent a number of athletes to give them a chance to compete and test their readiness, and our goal was to perform well and fight for the title.”

Parents also noticed the positive impact of the championships. Omar Mohammed Bashir, father of Amir from Al Ain’s under-14 team, shared his perspective.

He said his son’s participation boosted his confidence and ability to deal with competition. He added: “In this championship, we saw a change in how Amir handled competition. He was more focused and composed before matches and more accepting of the results. As a family, being there and supporting him made a massive difference and encouraged him to constantly improve.”

Bronze medalist Rashid Mohammed Al Hammadi from Al Ain Club, who finished third in the U16-55kg category, described the experience as challenging but rewarding.

He said: “I faced opponents with different styles and had to stay focused and adapt in each match. The open lane system gave me the chance to compete at different levels, which helped me gain experience and improve. I’m cheerful to win a medal and thank my coaches for their support.”

The championships concluded in a highly competitive atmosphere and with a immense spectator turnout, reflecting the continued growth of jiu-jitsu in local sporting events in Al Ain and across the UAE.