News DeskDubai, UAE – The UAE team delivered a stellar performance at the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament, securing a semi-final berth in the Padel Championship and dominating the Jiu-Jitsu competitions with a 14-medal haul, underscoring the nation’s growing prowess in global sports.
Padel Championship: UAE Fights Through to Semi-Finals
In a thrilling showdown at the Nad Al Sheba Padel Championship, part of the 12th edition of the Ramadan sports festival, the UAE team edged past Bahrain 2-1 to advance to the semi-finals. After Bahrain’s Rashid Al Obaidli and Ali Al Dhawani claimed the opening match, UAE duo Majed Al Janahi and Ignacio Villarino leveled the tie. The decisive victory came from Fares Al Janahi and Enric Goinaga, who overpowered Bahrain’s Omar Qaed and Ahmed Khalid 6-3, 6-1.
Kuwait also stormed into the semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 sweep of Saudi Arabia, while the Netherlands and Iran secured their spots. The Dutch team rallied after a shaky start against Australia, with Daniel van Dijk and Kai Groen clinching the decisive third match. Iran dominated Bahrain 3-0 to complete the semi-final lineup.
Jiu-Jitsu Glory: UAE Athletes Shine with 14 Medals
The UAE’s jiu-jitsu squad stole the spotlight, claiming five gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. Standout performances included Ghanem Nasser Al Ali’s gold in the 55kg junior category, leading a podium sweep alongside teammates Ali Mohammed Al Najjar and Khalfan Al Qubaisi. Najla Hashem replicated the feat in the women’s 52kg division, while Aisha Al Junaibi triumphed in the women’s 75kg class.
Hamdan Al Najjar (men’s 62kg) and Hareb Al Hammadi (men’s 73kg) further cemented the UAE’s dominance with gold medals. The event, attended by high-profile officials including Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Dubai Sports Council’s Nasser Al Rahma, highlighted the nation’s commitment to elevating the sport globally.
Upcoming Events
The tournament continues with Badminton and Road Running (5km and 10km) starting March 8, followed by Wheelchair Basketball (March 9–19), Laser Run Shooting (March 10–11), Tug-of-War (March 11–18), Cycling (March 15–16), and Volleyball (March 12–20).
Sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Nad Al Sheba Sports Tournament reaffirms Dubai’s status as a hub for world-class athletic competition, uniting elite athletes and enthusiasts under the banner of “Unlimited Abilities.”
