Abu Dhabi: Al Ain Club stole the show in the third and final leg of the President’s Cup Jiu Jitsu by claiming 12 golds, five silvers and four bronze at the IPIC Arena on Saturday.
Al Jazira finished second followed by Al Wahda in the competition which saw 14 clubs take part in three rounds.
Some of the pioneers of Al Ain’s success were Humaid Al Kaabi, Khalifa Nasrati Al Balooshi, Salem Sultan Al Dhaheri and Saaid Al Haj. All these fighters were also instrumental in leading the national team to glory in the International Federation’s World Championship for Aspirants and Juniors U21 and U18 in Athens a week ago.
“The President’s Cup is a prestigious title to win for me as well as for my club. My national team and club colleagues shared the same sentiment. Our energy levels were still high when we returned from Athens and we all decided to compete,” said a jubilant Al Kaabi, who had bagged also gold in Athens.
“All 17 players who travelled to Athens did well. We returned with 13 medals which included seven gold, four silver and two bronze. Khalifa and Salem won gold and Saaid a bronze.
“The Cup competition wasn’t at the same level but still a competition that pits us against some of the leading Emirati fighters. It was a hectic week but the end result was sweet,” added Al Kaabi.
Other medals for Al Ain came from Zayed Al Kaabi and Hamdan Al Balooshi in 94-kg category.
“This is an achievement that no others can take away, being the first club to win this prestigious title. The competition, as always, was very tough. I’m glad that I was able to do my part and contribute to the club’s success,” said Al Balooshi.
Khuwaiter Al Dhaheri, Board Member of Al Ain Club, was elated with his team’s effort, “We congratulate Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al Nahyan (Adviser to the National Security Council, Vice-President of Al Ain Club), Al Ain Club management and our players for winning the first edition of the President’s Cup, now the most prestigious cup that can be received at a national level, and also thank the Federation for taking the Jiu-Jitsu sport to the next level and developing this sport amongst all communities in the UAE.”
Abdul Munam Al Hashemi, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation said: “The champion club are presented a specially designed first edition of the President’s Cup and all best wishes to them. This is a memorable day for jiu-jitsu in the UAE, and will serve as an example and a source of inspiration for many of our emerging athletes.”
