UAE national jiu-jitsu team bags medals in Birmingham World Games 2022

The UAE national jiu-jitsu team has won a total of five medals in the Birmingham World Games 2022 in Birmingham, with Faisal Al Ketbi, an Emirati champion, winning gold medals for the second year in a row. The team took home two gold, one silver, and two bronze medals in the championship.

H.E Sheikh Suhail bin Butti Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Sports Development Sector at General Sports Authority, stated that the achievements of the Emirati Jiu-Jitsu champions reflect the relentless support offered by the wise leadership in the development of sports in the UAE. In addition, he praised the ability of Emirati athletes to achieve more continental and international successes in major events.

His Excellency added: “The General Authority of Sports is always committed to bringing more athletic achievements to the UAE. We further support the efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation in empowering athletes to achieve more victories and bolstering the UAE’s position in the global sports sector. The accomplishments we have achieved in various weight categories further represent the effective mechanisms adopted to develop and empower more talents.”

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation organised several vigorous training programs for the athletes, in order to prepare the participants for the fierce competitions. Shamma Al Kalbani, a 19-year-old from the UAE, became the first female Emirati athlete to clinch a medal in an international tournament.

H.E. Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice President of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, stated that these achievements were the results of the guidance and directives provided by the wise leadership, aimed at promoting the sports sector and raising the UAE’s flag in various international forums.

H.E Al Dhaheri added: “Our national team has proved their commitment and enthusiasm in this tournament. This comes as a result of the exceptional training they received, through which the professional and physical competency of players was elevated to higher levels, making them capable of international tournaments. The federation is committed to providing more training camps to promote our national team and drive greater victories in the future.”

The national jiu-jitsu team underwent a rigorous one-month training camp in California, USA, in preparation for the World Games. The achievements mark a major milestone for the UAE's athletes and sportspeople, as well as the sports sector.