By Muhammed Aladdin
The future of jiu-jitsu in the United Arab Emirates is in safe hands, as in the past few years, the martial art has been gaining popularity with the Emirati youth, especially girls. In fact, at the recently-held Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2019, Emirati girls dominated the competition, scoring 54,320 points.
They won 17 gold, 29 silver, and 59 bronze medals.
With these astonishing numbers, the United Arab Emirates held the first place. Ukraine came in second with a meager 2,140 points resulting in two gold, two silver, and one bronze medal, while Australia followed at the third place with 2,080 points, comprising one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
Without a doubt, the girls of the UAE team set a fine example of true sportsmanship and determination; their achievements are beyond inspirational to young females all over the Arab World.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah went to the competition in person to wish the national team the best and boost the girls’ morale. He expressed his utmost pride in the progress that the team has made, and how their achievement inspired the whole world.
“It was the dream of my life so far to win a gold medal and I’m so proud and honored to have been given my medal by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al-Sharqi. I feel this is an honor for the whole UAE,” stated Nouf Khamis Al-Balooshi, who won gold in the 63 kg category for the orange and green belts for teens.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s Chief Executive Mr. Fahad Al-Shamsi expressed his pride in his nation’s achievement. He said that he personally believes that the girls’ medals tally shows the extent of progress being made at the grassroots level across the country.
Indeed, jiu-jitsu and other martial arts and sports have been gaining popularity with young girls around the world, opening a door to more gender equality and more opportunities for young girls to follow their passions.
Tomorrow marks the second day of the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship where boys aged 10-17, holding grey, yellow, orange, green, and blue belts are to compete in Infant, Junior, Teen, and Juvenile categories at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.