Saif Alblooshi Wins UAE’s First Gold at Youth MMA Worlds

Photo: WAM

The UAE’s Saif Alblooshi brought pride to the country by winning the first gold medal for the host nation at the IMMAF Youth World Championships. The event was held in Al Ain and Alblooshi competed in the men’s Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final. He faced Azizullo Mirzoev from Tajikistan and won with a confident and technically skilled performance. His calm mindset and smart moves were cheered by the home crowd, giving a strong emotional boost.

Alblooshi’s Second Gold at the Championship

This win wasn’t Alblooshi’s first time standing on the top of the podium. He had previously won gold in 2023 in the same weight category. His back-to-back gold medals show not only his talent but also his consistency and dedication to the sport. Alblooshi has become a strong example for young Emirati athletes who want to succeed in mixed martial arts.

Ghala Al Hammadi Shines with Silver

Along with Alblooshi’s success, Ghala Al Hammadi also made the UAE proud by winning a silver medal. She competed in the Youth B women’s 44 kg category. Even though she didn’t get gold, her strong performance shows her skill and determination. Her win adds great value to the country’s growing achievements in youth sports, especially in MMA.

UAE Reaches 11 Medals So Far

The UAE's medal tally at the IMMAF Youth World Championships has now reached 11 medals. This includes 1 gold, 2 silver, and 8 bronze medals. These results show that the UAE’s youth MMA athletes are improving with every tournament and proving themselves on the global stage. Each medal represents hard work and the development of sports among Emirati youth.

Youth B Category Matches Begin

The championship’s third day marked the beginning of the Youth B category fights. This division includes athletes between the ages of 14 and 15. The matches took place at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain, and the energy was high. These fights are expected to continue with even more exciting and close matches as fighters with similar skill levels go head-to-head in different weight classes.

Al Ain Hosts Championship for the First Time

This year marks the first time the IMMAF Youth World Championships are being held in the Al Ain Region. Hosting such a big international event is a big achievement for the city. The competition is scheduled to continue until July 27, and it has already attracted fans, families, and sports lovers from around the world.

Event Attended by High-Ranking Officials

Several well-known leaders and officials attended the event to show their support. Some of the main guests included:

• Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and UAE Esports Federation

• Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade

• Rashed Musabah Al Manei, Director General of Al Ain City Municipality

• Kerrith Brown, President of the International MMA Federation

• Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation

• Khaled Abdullah Al Dhaheri, Director of Abu Dhabi Business Centre in Al Ain

• Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Federation

Their presence shows the importance of the championship and the high hopes the UAE has for its young athletes.

Technical Growth of Youth Fighters

Mohammed Jasem Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, spoke about how impressed he was with the young athletes. He said that each day, fighters are showing better techniques and smarter fight strategies. The championship is helping build discipline, sportsmanship, and skills in young fighters. It’s not just about winning medals, but also about learning and improving.

Community and Family Support

The event is also showing the importance of community and family involvement in sports. Parents, relatives, and friends came in large numbers to support their children. Their cheers and encouragement added to the excitement inside the arena. This family support plays a big role in motivating young fighters and building a positive sports culture in the UAE.

The Global Impact of the Championship

While the championship is being held in Al Ain, its impact is international. Young fighters from around the world are participating, making it a global celebration of youth talent in MMA. Events like this not only build sports talent but also create friendships across borders, promote cultural exchange, and help young people develop strong values like respect and confidence.

A Big Step Forward for UAE Youth Sports

This championship and the UAE’s performance are a major milestone in the country’s development of youth sports. The success of athletes like Alblooshi and Al Hammadi shows that the UAE has a bright future in international sports, especially in areas like mixed martial arts, which are growing quickly in popularity.

What’s Next in the Championship?

As the IMMAF Youth World Championships continue through the week, more exciting matches are expected in different categories. With the UAE team performing so well, fans are hopeful for even more medals in the coming days. The country’s young athletes are full of potential, and all eyes will be on their next fights.

Pride, Progress, and Passion

The IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain have become more than just a sports competition. They are a celebration of young talent, a showcase of national pride, and a platform for future champions. With strong support from the government, families, and local communities, the UAE’s investment in youth sports is clearly paying off. The achievements at this championship mark a proud moment for the nation and set the stage for even greater success in the future.