Al Wahda and Baniyas crowned champions at Jiu-Jitsu President's Cup. ACTION UAE

Al Wahda Club Jiu-Jitsu Academy and Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club were crowned champions at the Jiu-Jitsu President's Cup, held at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on 15-16 March. 

The championship, exclusively for adult athletes, saw the country's best male and female competitors lock horns, culminating in Al Wahda securing the top spot in the men's division and Baniyas claiming victory in the women's category. 

In the men's competition, Al Wahda showed great technical skill and resilience to defeat defending champions Baniyas and snatch the title they had held for the past four years. 

In the women's competition, Baniyas were at the top of their game and retained last year's title, forcing Al Wahda to settle for second place. Meanwhile, Al Wahda improved their position in the women's competition from third last year to second this year. Al Ain also put in a commendable performance, finishing third in both the men's and women's competitions. 

Al Wahda men's team with their gold medals. ACTION UAE
Al Wahda men's team with their gold medals. ACTION UAE

Following the exciting finals, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to Qatar, crowned the winners. He was joined by Abdulmunem Alsayedmohammed Alhashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAEJJF, and Youssef Al Batran, UAEJJF Board Member. 

Abdulmunem Alsayedmohammed Alhashmi thanked Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan for honouring the event and awarding the winners. "This year's Jiu-Jitsu President's Cup featured the best local champions, making it the strongest ever. The enthusiastic crowd, exceptional organisation, and dedication of the teams also contributed to the sucess of the event," he said. 

He also congratulated the winners and expressed appreciation to the clubs for their important role in promoting jiu-jitsu, developing talent and creating a competitive environment that helps athletes excel in the sport. 

Baniya's team won the gold medal in the women's competition. UAE ACTION
Baniya's team won the gold medal in the women's competition. UAE ACTION

Obaid Meftah, Chairman of Al Wahda Sports Group Company, commented: "We couldn't be happier with the men's title, which we have been waiting for four years. Our athletes have worked hard for this moment and deserve their share of the podium. We dedicate this great victory to His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the Al Wahda Club, our biggest supporter, and to the entire Al Wahda family and our loyal fans."

For his part, H.E. Salem Nayef Al Kathiri, Vice Chairman of the Sports Games Company and Executive Director of Baniyas Club, congratulated His Highness Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, President of Baniyas Club and members of the club's Board of Directors on the women's title. 

"The women's team retained the title, while the men's team finished as runners-up, after dominating the title for four consecutive years. The boundless support of the wise leadership is the main reason for all the achievements of our athletes," he stressed.

One of the most exciting matches in the men's final pitted Al Wahda's Omar Alsuwaidi against Baniyas' Zayed Alktheri. "The match against Zayed Al Kathiri was historic . To beat a champion of his stature is an achievement, but I believe that whoever wins, our beloved country is the ultimate winner as we strive to honour the nation and the leadership with our performances," said Al Suwaidi.

Al Wahda's Omar Al Fadhli (in white) during the fight. UAE ACTION
Al Wahda's Omar Al Fadhli (in white) during the fight. UAE ACTION

Baniyas' Balqees Al Hashmi was also in top form today as she defeated Aysha Al Shamsi on points. "I would like to congratulate Aysha for her brilliant performance. She's a tough athlete to compete against and a person I admire a lot. It was a great competition, and we both played well," she said.

Khaled Al Shehhi, a star athlete from Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, pointed out: "I tried my best to help my colleagues get the maximum points and win the title, but the results were not what we expected. However, finishing third in such a prestigious tournament is still a significant achievement. Now it's time to learn from this experience and prepare better for the next competition."