Abu Dhabi: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu fighters have returned after clinching 13 medals including seven golds, four silvers and two bronze at the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation World Championship for Aspirant and Juniors U-18 and U-21 in Athens, Greece.
The UAE contingent comprising 17 fighters finished third on the medals table. Russia topped the tally with 10 golds, 9 silvers and 26 bronze medals, while Germany finished second with 8 golds, 8 silvers and 8 bronze. The boys were received at the Abu Dhabi International Airport by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development and other dignitaries from the Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
UAE’s Hamad Nawad won in the 55kg category beating compatriot Omar Al Fadhli by points. Nawad made it to the finals beating Alisher Bekkali of Kazakistan, while Al Fadhli beat Viad Lascu of Romania.
“It was a tough competition and my toughest fight was against a fighter from Poland which was my second bout. He was taller than me and I won against him by strategy,” said Nawad adding that the success had done a world of good to his confidence ahead of the World Pro in Abu Dhabi in April.
“My target next is to do well in the World Pro. I have won in the World Pro twice before in 2014 and 2015 and I would like to repeat that this time round as well,” added Nawad, who is currently a Grade 10th student.
Despite settling for silver, Al Fadhli was elated with the way he performed in the tournament. “The gold and silver belonged to UAE and so I’m very happy. It didn’t matter after we both reached the finals. We had five fights before reaching the finals and Nawad is my friend so I’m very happy for him,” said Al Fadhli, adding that he will be taking part in the President’s Cup on Saturday.
“I’m not looking for any break and I want to train from tomorrow itself and finish with a good result in the President’s Cup this weekend. I just want to keep improving,” added Al Fadhli.
UAE’s Brazilian coach Ramon Lemos, who took over last year, was elated with the showing saying, “I was given goals and now they are showing a lot of promise. I needed the time and they have improved. These are young boys and they have made huge strides. Their fitness levels have improved and that showed in Greece where they had to compete in back-to-back bouts at times. Germany had 77 participants and we had 17, it shows we have done really well.”
Results (Gold): Mohammad Al Darmaki in -46kg, Salem Al Daheri -50kg, Hamad Nawad -55kg, Khalifa Al Kaabi -60kg, Humaid Al Kaabi -66, Ahmad Mohammad Al Baloushi -55kg Khalifa Nasrati Al Baloushi — 56kg, Zayed Al Mansouri -62kg;
Silver: Omar Al Fadhli -55kg, Mansour Al Neyadi -81kg, Saeed Al Mazroui -62kg, Obaid Al Nuaimi — 52kg; Bronze: Saeed Al Haj -77kg, Ali Al Banai -85kg.
