Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
The UAE U16 jiu-jitsu national team, backed by Mubadala Investment Company, has made an impressive debut at the 2025 World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship taking place in Bangkok, Thailand from November 8th to 14th. The young Emirati competitors delivered remarkable performances, gaining commendations for their exceptional skills.
After two days of fiercely contested matches, the team has amassed a total of 11 medals, reflecting the growing prominence of the UAE in youth jiu-jitsu. The championship featured numerous competitors from across the globe, all eager to demonstrate their athletic prowess.
On Saturday, the UAE’s U16 girls’ team achieved significant success, bringing home four additional medals. They secured one silver and three bronze, showing not just physical acumen but also commendable resilience during their competitions.
Sara Farook excelled in the 48 kg category, earning a silver medal through a series of challenging bouts. In the 36 kg group, Mathail Alhammadi and Ghaiaheb Alrashdi captured bronze medals, while Maitha Alkarbi rounded out the medals with another bronze in the 40 kg category.
This achievement raised the UAE's total medal count in the U16 division to 11, comprising two golds, three silvers, and six bronzes. The commitment and teamwork displayed by these young athletes are a testament to their rigorous preparation.
The boys’ team had earlier set an optimistic tone for the competition with seven medals on the opening day, thereby setting the stage for the girls’ team to pursue further victories.
The accomplishments of both teams showcase the UAE's well-rounded development in both male and female sports, reflecting the federation’s dedication to providing equal opportunities to all young competitors.
Abdulla Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the remarkable progress seen in the Emirati girls. He emphasized that their discipline and confidence illustrate how women’s jiu-jitsu has evolved significantly in the UAE under the country's leadership.
He mentioned, “This strong start inspires us to keep pushing forward in the under-18 and under-21 categories and to increase our medal haul. It enhances the UAE’s status as a leading nation in jiu-jitsu on the global front.”
Silver medalist Sara Farook expressed her delight at being on the podium. “Winning silver at the World Championship is a dream realized. The matches were challenging, but with my teammates’ and coaches’ backing, I remained focused. I am proud to represent the UAE and will train harder to achieve gold next time.”
Her sentiments echoed the resolve of the entire team and the culture of excellence cultivated by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation among its youthful athletes.
The robust performance of the UAE team aligns with the nation’s broader initiative to elevate jiu-jitsu as a pivotal sport that fosters discipline, strength, and self-confidence among the youth. The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation remains committed to enhancing training programs, providing international exposure, and offering professional coaching to prepare rising stars for the global arena.
The ongoing championship underlines the country’s dedication to sports diplomacy and empowering young athletes, as each victory contributes to the UAE’s reputation as a global center of martial arts excellence.
With events continuing until November 14th, the U18 and U21 categories are next in line to compete. The UAE national team is poised to further increase their medal count and solidify their standing among top jiu-jitsu nations.
As the young Emiratis build on their initial successes, they are expected to maintain their winning streak and inspire future generations of athletes within the UAE.
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