Abu Dhabi: Among the UAE squad that arrived from the Beach Games in Danang, Vietnam is a grade 12 student — Wadima Al Yafei. For Wadima, this tour has been a life changing experience. She made the most of this stint and entered history books by becoming the first Emirati woman to win a medal at the Games — a bronze.
“It was difficult to convince my family, especially, my father to let me go. This was a the first time that Emirati women were participating in Beach Games and I’m proud to have won a medal outside the country,” said Wadima, who felt that her success would inspire many girls to come forward and chase their dreams.
“I had worked really hard and wanted to do well for the country. My family was thrilled with the result and I hope more girls will be inspired to do well. Jiu-Jitsu is a good sport and parents should support girls who want to participate in it,” said Wadima, who has now set her sights on local tournaments.
“We have events coming up in October and I want to keep doing well in all the events I participate in. If you have support and you work hard, one can achieve anything,” said Wadima, who along with her teammates were given a warm welcome at the Abu Dhabi International Airport at wee hours on Thursday.
Another noteworthy performance came from 17-year-old Khalifa Nassrati Al Baloushi, the boy who has hogged headlines for his heroics on the mat despite being born with stumped fingers.
“I had to return with a medal as everybody had pinned hopes on me. They had put a lot of faith to select me for a major competition. I’m glad I was able to deliver,” said a beaming Al Baloushi, who won four of his five fights in the 56-kilogramme weight division.
“I will now take a break to study because I’m in 12th and there is pressure from home to study. This is my highest achievement so far in my career. I’m not done yet and so will return after this break. I will also try to keep myself fit,” said Al Baloushi, who last month was with the national team to Sri Lanka for the inaugural Asian Jiu-Jitsu Beach Championship and had won a gold in the No-Gi (without kimono).
At the Beach Games, UAE in all, won nine medals — four gold, two silver and three bronze. They also topped the men’s medals table.
UAE’s firm favourite Yahia Mansour Al Hammadi and Faisal Al Ketbi too, stayed up to their reputation by bagging medals. The contest in the absolute class was a repeat of the inaugural Asian Jiu-Jitsu Beach Championship in Sri Lanka and Al Hammadi got the better of Al Ketbi to claim his second gold of the Beach Games. He had earlier won gold in the 110kg.
“I had missed out on the Beach Games last time round with injuries and really wanted to do well here. I‘m glad I have been able to do that,” said Al Hammadi, who wants to continue his fine runs in the Grand Slams lined-up this season.
Al Ketbi, however, was glad that he managed to retain his title in his over-69kg weight division.
“I had won a double gold in Phuket two years ago when Jiu-Jitsu was first introduced at the Asian Beach Games. I wanted to repeat that feat but it didn’t happen. However, I’m happy to get gold and want to keep improving,” said a jubilant Al Ketbi.
