Abu Dhabi: Czech Republic’s Hannah Mrazkova was at the top of the world after clinching gold in the girls white belt Juvenile 57kg category at the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship at the Mubadala Arena on Sunday.
Mrazkova, making her first appearance at a world event, won all her four bouts to claim the top honours.
The 16-year-old’s joy was doubled and she was seen screaming in delight after her coach Milos Bosak jumped on to the stage and handed her the blue belt, immediately after the medals ceremony.
“I won all my fights and I have never been to a high profile event like this. I’m really happy to clinch the title and to get the blue belt from him was simply amazing,” said an ecstatic Mrazkova adding that she loves the sport and want to become a black belt holder one day.
“I want to keep competing. I was really nervous coming into the tournament. I decided to put my trust in God and gave it everything and thankfully it paid,” revealed the 16-year-old, who had switched loyalties from Judo to Jiu Jitsu at the age of 10.
“I started with Judo at the age of five for self-defence. I got bored but in one competition my current coach Bosak saw me and told he is going to help me in Jiu Jitsu. He thought me everything and today I’m here with a gold.”
Bosak too was delighted with his wards accomplishment and more so because he had come with two fighters to Abu Dhabi and both were on the podium.
“You can’t ask for more. It was gold for Mrazkova and Eliska Safarova also won a bronze in the 52kg grey belt. It’s a huge day for me,” said a beaming Bosak, who went on to add that finding sponsors for the sport is still a worry in Czech Republic as the sport is still not that popular and there are very few black belt holders.
Safarova despite finish with a bronze was a bit dejected as she opted for the wrong age group.
“I should have participated in the 48kg but I ended up by mistake in the 52kg. But, still to clinch bronze is great,” said Safarova.
Great Britain’s Nia Blackman and her younger sister Zuri Blackman also made lot of heads turn with dominating performances. Nia won gold in the 63kg orange belt while Zuri won gold and a silver respectively in yellow under-40kg and 52kg category in which she was invited to enter.
“I had won silver last time round and hence to go one step further feels great. I also delighted for my sister as she has also won gold on her first visit here,” said a delight Nia, who will be heading to LA next for American nationals.
Zuri, 10, was more happy to win the silver than the gold as it had come in a higher category and by default.
“I wasn’t going to compete in that category but the organisers allowed me to fight since one of the girls came in late. I’m only junior and still I decided to take part against the 14-year-olds. Two win two fight there before losing in the finals was simply awesome,” said a jubilant Zuri.
