Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s Ahmad Suhail Al Katbi and Obaid Al Kaabi were among those walking away with a gold medal on the second day of the World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which is taking place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) here.

Now in its fifth year, the championship will see around 900 male and female competitors from across the globe in action. The tournament’s official opening took place on Thursday and was attended by Lt General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior.

Al Katbi, who won the Masters 76kg category, said he was proud to compete against “very strong, elite champions” and that winning gold has been “beyond expectations.”

“I have been participating in this championship ever since it started but I have only ever reached the quarter-finals. This year, God crowned my efforts and I have won the last game,” he told Gulf News.

Al Katbi added that the competition has been getting “stronger, with more players this year and outstanding organisation.”

While the championship offered plenty of action for male athletes, female athletes have also been in the spotlight as they put on some of their best performances.

Samira Al Rumaithi, a competing champion who is also the event director and a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said that female participation helps the sport to grow in the region.

“Yesterday, we [saw participation] from eight female schools for the first time and the girls did really well. They are definitely our future generation who will carry the sport and it’s going to be growing in the UAE,” she said.

Competing in the blue belt Under-60kg category, Al Rumaithi lost, but she promised to come back stronger next year.

“It’s a shame that I lost but I gave it my best and I’ll be better next year,” she said. “The people are showing outstanding Jiu-Jitsu and these are some of the best competitors from around the world.”

The championship, which runs until Saturday, offers free entry to members of the public.

— Sarah Diaa is a trainee at Gulf News