News DeskAl Ain, UAE – Al Ain witnessed a thrilling showcase of youth talent and sporting spirit as Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed top honours at the jiu-jitsu competition of the Hafeet Sport Challenge, edging out strong contenders from across the country.
Hosted at Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, the championship wrapped up on Friday with Al Ain finishing first overall, followed by Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club in second place, while Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured third. The event brought together promising athletes from the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 categories, representing leading clubs and academies from around the UAE.
Competing under an open belt format, the young fighters delivered fast-paced, high-intensity bouts. The format, which allows athletes of varying belt ranks to face one another, added an extra layer of challenge and pushed competitors to dig deep, adapt quickly and perform at their highest level.
Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region, the Hafeet Sport Challenge continues to stand as the largest sporting event in the city. With more than 4,000 athletes competing across 36 different sports, the festival reflects Al Ain’s strong commitment to nurturing youth talent and encouraging an active, healthy lifestyle.
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, highlighted the growing role of jiu-jitsu within community sport. He noted that its inclusion in the Hafeet Sport Challenge underlines how the sport is helping promote healthier lifestyles. Marked during the “Year of the Family,” he said the championship carries special meaning, encouraging families to engage in sport together while instilling discipline and confidence in young athletes.
“The Federation’s vision is to make jiu-jitsu part of daily family life,” he said, adding that the long-term goal is to raise a generation that is physically strong and mentally resilient.
Saeed Abdullah Ahmed Al Jabri, Member of the Higher Organising Committee of the Hafeet Sport Challenge, described the event as a unique platform that unites various sports and age groups under one umbrella. He emphasised that jiu-jitsu holds a prominent place within the programme due to its rising popularity and competitive standard, contributing to a well-rounded sporting experience in Al Ain.
For Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, the championship served not only as a quest for medals but also as a test of preparation. Coach Zayed Al Kaabi revealed that the club entered around 150 athletes across different divisions, using the competition as a key opportunity to assess performance levels.
“The open belt format allows athletes of different levels to compete against each other, which helps them grow and gain valuable experience, especially at youth level,” he said. “Our aim was to give as many athletes as possible the chance to compete, test their readiness and fight for the title.”
Beyond the podium finishes, the event carried personal milestones for many families. Omar Mohammed Bashir, father of Amir, who competed in the Under-14 category for Al Ain Club, spoke proudly of his son’s development.
“We saw a real change in how Amir approached competition this time,” he said. “He was calmer, more focused before his matches and more accepting of the results. As a family, being there to support him made a big difference and encouraged him to keep improving.”
Among the medal winners was Rashid Mohammed Al Hammadi of Al Ain Club, who captured bronze in the Under-16 55kg division. He described the open belt system as both demanding and rewarding.
“I faced opponents with different styles and had to adjust in every match,” he said. “Competing against different levels helped me gain experience. I’m proud of the medal and grateful to my coaches for their support.”
The championship concluded in a vibrant and competitive atmosphere, with strong crowd attendance adding to the excitement. As the cheers echoed through the venue, one thing was clear jiu-jitsu continues to strengthen its place at the heart of community sport in Al Ain, inspiring the next generation both on and off the mat.
