Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Photo: WAM
The first-ever Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 started on Friday, August 1, in Al Ain. The event is being held at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain and is scheduled to run for three days, ending on August 3. The competition is organised by International Vision Sports Management (IVSM) and brings together more than 1,000 athletes from over 60 countries. These athletes are showcasing their grappling skills in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Supported by Big Organisations
This international sporting event is organised in partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. It is also supported by Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), a group that helps promote martial arts in the region. These partnerships show how serious Abu Dhabi is about becoming a major center for global sports events.
Leaders Attend Opening Day
Several important people were present on the first day of the championship. Saeed Al Dhaheri, Director of the Destination Management Department at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, was there. Also present were Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of International Vision Sports Management, and Kenneth Milimo Nganga, Ambassador of Kenya to the UAE. Their presence shows the importance of the event on an international level.
Exciting First Day Matches
The first day was full of exciting matches. Competitions began in the professional divisions and continued until the semi-final round. The athletes gave strong and skillful performances, impressing the audience. Many of them secured their places in the finals, where they have a chance to earn 2,000 AJP ranking points and win cash prizes.
Words from the Organiser
Tareq Al Bahri, who leads International Vision Sports Management, said that this championship is a new and important event in Abu Dhabi's sports calendar. He explained that the organisers worked hard to make the event high-quality and professional. According to him, this event helps Abu Dhabi continue to grow as a global center for jiu-jitsu and other martial arts.
He added that the large number of participants and the high public interest show how successful the event has already become. He also praised the athletes for their high-level skills and dedication to their sport. The matches, he said, were a clear example of years of hard work and training by the competitors.
Athlete Shares His Experience
Abdullah Saqr Abdullah is one of the athletes competing in the 85 kg professional division. He trains at M.O.D Academy. He said his team started preparing for this event a long time ago. They knew it would be a serious and challenging competition. He mentioned that the large number of athletes made the matches more competitive, which encouraged everyone to perform their best. He also said that earning ranking points was very important to all athletes participating.
Championship Shirt Unveiled
A special press conference was held the day before the championship started. During the event, the official championship shirt was revealed. This shirt represents the identity and spirit of the competition. It also adds excitement and pride for the athletes and the audience.
What to Expect Next
The action will continue on Saturday, August 2, with matches in the youth and amateur divisions. This part of the championship is expected to be just as exciting, as younger athletes will try to prove their skills on a big stage. The final day, Sunday, August 3, will feature the most important matches—playoffs and finals. These will decide the top athletes in the championship and could be the starting point for some promising sports careers.
A New Milestone for Abu Dhabi
This grappling championship is another example of Abu Dhabi's growing importance in the world of international sports. The city has already earned a name for itself in jiu-jitsu, and now it is adding grappling to its list of top sports events. Hosting such events not only attracts athletes from all over the world but also brings visitors, tourism, and media attention to the region.
Promoting Healthy Competition
This event also promotes values like discipline, respect, and healthy competition. Grappling, like other martial arts, teaches athletes how to stay focused, train hard, and respect their opponents. These are important life lessons, especially for young athletes watching and participating in the event.
Global Talent on Display
Having athletes from more than 60 countries come together in one place shows how powerful sports can be in building global friendships and understanding. Events like this help create bridges between cultures and promote peace and cooperation through competition.
A Strong Beginning
The Abu Dhabi World Grappling Championship 2025 has started strongly, with powerful performances and large crowds. The organisers have set a high standard, and the event is already seen as a success. With two more days of matches left, fans can expect even more exciting action. This championship is a big step for Abu Dhabi in its journey to become one of the world’s best sporting cities.
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