Commando Group leads on Penultimate Day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI, 16 November (BelTA _Emirates News Agency) - The UAE’s Commando Group took the lead on the penultimate day of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held at Mubadala Arena. Friday’s competition saw the finals of the purple and brown belts and the qualifying rounds for the black belt category.

Emirati M.O.D UAE finished in second place, and American Checkmat International secured third. The finals for the black belt divisions will take place tomorrow, starting at 6 PM.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “I congratulate the champions who made it to the podium on Friday. This success is the result of hard work, dedication to training, and thorough preparation. I’m confident that this new generation of athletes will continue the journey of achievements, supported by the UAE’s wise leadership that provides everything needed for their success.

“We have witnessed a championship that represents the peak of competition, with elite athletes from all over the world, further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading global sports destination.

“I congratulate Emirati champions Zayed Alkatheeri, who made history by winning black belt gold in 2022 and has qualified for the finals three years in a row; Khaled Al Shehhi, who reached the black belt finals for the second year running; Asma Alhosani, who became the first Emirati to qualify for the black belt finals in the history of the championship; and Mohammed Al Suwaidi, who will compete for black belt gold in the 69 kg category.

Today, Emirati athletes secured six medals in the professional competitions (purple and brown belts), including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes. Zayed Al Shamsi from Al Wahda Club, competing in the purple belt category, achieved the gold medal in the 56 kg weight category. His club colleague Saeed Al Kubaisi, competing in the brown belt category, also secured the gold medal in the 85 kg weight category.

Hadi Abbas from Al Ain Club earned the silver medal in the 62 kg purple belt category. Meanwhile, Mohammed Saeed Al Ketbi, Fahad Al Hammadi, and Maid Al Shehhi, all from Baniyas Club, claimed bronze medals in the 56 kg purple belt, 69 kg purple belt, and 56 kg brown belt categories, respectively.

Tomorrow, Saturday, the black belt finals for the professional category will take place at Mubadala Arena, with a group of champions from various countries, including the UAE, Brazil, the United States, Portugal, the Philippines, and Russia. The black belt finals will run from 6 to 9 PM, followed by the champions’ crowning ceremony.