More than 700 athletes competed on the opening day of the final round of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena.
The first day at Zayed Sports City was set aside for the masters and amateur categories, with male and female athletes from several countries representing clubs and academies.
UAE academies made a strong start. Commando Group Academy finished top of the day-one standings with 180,300 points, ahead of MOD UAE on 163,200. Entropy finished third.
The event was attended by Abdulmunem Al Hashemi, President of the UAE and Asian Federations and First Vice President of the International Federation, along with UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation board members Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran.
Tariq Al Bahri, General Manager of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Association, and club officials from the UAE and overseas were also present.
Al Batran said the championship had grown since its launch in 2015 and had become an important stop for athletes looking to test themselves at international level.
Brazilian black belt Thiago Barreto, who represents Commando Group Academy, added to his record in the competition. He now has 34 black belt gold medals at the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam.
UAE international Faisal Al Ketbi said the standard on the first day showed the progress made by jiu-jitsu in the country, with Abu Dhabi continuing to play a central role in the sport’s development.
There was also home success for Meera Hassan Al Hosani. The UAE national team and Baniyas Club athlete won gold in the 49kg blue belt category.
Al Hosani said the result came after a long period of training, weight management and balancing sport with her studies.
The championship continues on Saturday with boys and girls competing across the kids, youth, juveniles and juniors divisions.
The next day will also include the “Crown Your Son” programme, linked to the UAE’s Year of the Family. It is designed to encourage family support for young athletes and promote sport among children.
