Abu Dhabi: Al Asayel School’s jiu-jitsu coach Gabriela de Ponte was seen screaming her guts out as her wards took to the mat in the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu World Festival for girls that got under way at the IPIC Arena on Monday.
For de Ponte, this was an opportunity to show how well her pupils have prepared since she took over as coach at the Al Asayel School, two years back. And at the end of the day, she had several laurels to show that her young wards were taking giant strides.
Twelve-year-old Shamma Al Mansouri won her the first gold in the 32kg junior white belt category and later Rawdha Al Hamoumi and Manal Al Jaidi added two more gold with victories in the white 40kg infant and white 32kg junior 2 categories, respectively.
There was more joy in store for Al Asayel and de Ponte as Jawahir Noman and Shaikha Akmeed went on to win silver and a bronze in the white 32kg and white infant 32kg, respectively.
“Most of the girls here had started Jiu Jitsu under me and I’m delighted with the results. Some of them like Rawdha and Shaikha have started training this year and ended up on the podium and so I’m more happy for them,” said a jubilant de Ponte, adding that the mentality of parents have changed in the past couple of years and they are keen to allow the girls to participate.
“At first, it was difficult as they felt their girls are too small. But now more parents are willing to allow their girl child to practice Jiu-Jitsu. They also turn up to support their girls which is the biggest change, I would say. It boosts the morale of the child tremendously,” revealed de Ponte pointing out to some of the parents who were rooting for their wards from the stands.
“The girls want to perform and do well. They want to take Jiu-Jitsu as a sport and it is all because of the exposure they are getting and the backing the sport has in this country. The girls want to know the names of the positions and want to keep improving which is a good sign,” revealed de Ponte, whose husband Edilbento is also a coach with the Armed forces.
Al Mansoori immediately after her gold medal performance announced that she would like to get the black belt one day. “I want to improve and work hard to get the black belt. I’m really happy to win and will work more hard from now on,” said Al Mansouri.
Noman too was delighted with her showing and attributed the success to her coach and parents. “I’m very happy and want to thank my coach and my parents. They supported me as I love Jiu-Jitsu. I want to follow the sport for as long as possible,” said a beaming Noman proudly sporting her medal.
Some of the expatriates also shined on the day. Italy’s Gaia Tolomelli and her younger sibling Tosca won a bronze and a gold in the junior white belt 57kg and kids 32kg respectively.
“I followed my friend for jiu-jitsu classes two years ago and now I’m here on the podium with a medal around my neck,” said an elated Gaia adding that she is also a figure skater but following this triumph wants to spend more time training Jiu-Jitsu.
“I have had a great start and I’m enjoying my time. I hope I’ll improve with time and go a long way in the sport.”
