The fifth edition of the World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship concluded on Saturday, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The national team secured a total of 12 medals, comprising 4 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze medals, during the tournament at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, which saw participation from over 800 male and female athletes representing 47 countries. Ukraine emerged as the champion, with Tajikistan finishing as the runner-up, and Uzbekistan taking third place.
The competitions began on August 6, organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, with activities spanning 5 days.
The tournament provided male and female mixed martial arts athletes from around the globe an opportunity to compete in three age categories: Juniors “C” for ages 12-13 on the first day, Juniors “B” for ages 14-15 on the second and third days, and Juniors “A” for ages 16-17 on the fourth and fifth days.
The final day’s matches were attended by Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club; Sheikh Shakhbut bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan; Karith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee; Wissam Abi Nader, Vice President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Mohammed Qamber, President of the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Densign White, CEO of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; Renzo Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend; and several representatives from the missions and embassies of the participating countries.
The UAE junior team marked its third participation in the championship’s history, achieving 12 medals, including 4 gold medals earned by Sarah Al Zarouni in the 40 kg weight class for the “C” age group, Ghala Al Hammadi in the “B” junior category at 44 kg, Rakan Al Hammadi in the “C” category at 34 kg, and Zamzam Al Hammadi in the “A” category at 52 kg.
His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Mixed Martial Arts Committee, expressed his profound gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous patronage of the championship.
Al Dhaheri stated, “We take pride in the remarkable success achieved by the fifth edition of the World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship, which reflects the unwavering support and wise guidance of our leadership.”
He noted that the championship concluded to widespread acclaim from all participating delegations, players, leaders, and members of international federations, reaffirming Abu Dhabi’s success in making a mark in the sport by hosting world-class championships.
He added, “We are delighted with our national team’s achievement of 12 medals, particularly with the Al Hammadi sisters winning gold medals for two consecutive years, a significant accomplishment that we proudly celebrate. These achievements are a result of the collective efforts from all parties to foster a promising future for the upcoming generations of Emirati mixed martial arts talents.”
Highlights from the 5th World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship
The fifth edition of the World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship concluded on Saturday, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. With over 800 talented male and female athletes from 47 countries participating at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, the tournament showcased a high level of competition and sportsmanship.
Medal Count and Achievements
Our national team had a spectacular showing, bringing home a total of 12 medals: 4 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze. These achievements highlight the dedication and hard work displayed by the athletes. The competition featured participants across three age categories:
- Juniors “C”: Ages 12-13 – held on the first day
- Juniors “B”: Ages 14-15 – held on the second and third days
- Juniors “A”: Ages 16-17 – held on the fourth and fifth days
| Category | Gold Medal Winner | Weight Class |
|---|---|---|
| Juniors “C” | Sarah Al Zarouni | 40 kg |
| Juniors “B” | Ghala Al Hammadi | 44 kg |
| Juniors “C” | Rakan Al Hammadi | 34 kg |
| Juniors “A” | Zamzam Al Hammadi | 52 kg |
Openings and Official Attendance
The competitions kicked off on August 6, organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The final day’s matches drew attention from prominent officials, including:
- Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan
- Sheikh Shakhbut bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbut Al Nahyan
- Karith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation
- His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation
- Densign White, CEO of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation
- Renzo Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend
International Competition Overview
In a thrilling conclusion, Ukraine emerged as the champion, with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan claiming the second and third positions, respectively. The continuous participation of the UAE junior team in the championship, marking their third appearance, underscores the nation’s growing prominence in mixed martial arts.
Success and Future Outlook
His Excellency Brigadier Mohammed Humaid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed heartfelt appreciation for the generous support from His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stating:
“We are proud of the exceptional success achieved by the fifth edition of the World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship. This success stems from the unlimited support and wise guidance of our leadership.”
He highlighted the acclaim received from delegations, players, and international federation members, emphasizing Abu Dhabi’s role as a leading host for world-class tournaments. Al Dhaheri also acknowledged the remarkable achievement of the Al Hammadi sisters, who secured gold medals for two consecutive years:
“These achievements reflect the efforts made by all stakeholders to foster a bright future for Emirati mixed martial arts talents.”
The Growth of Mixed Martial Arts in the UAE
The UAE’s commitment to nurturing talent in mixed martial arts is evident through its organizational efforts and the competitive spirit shown by its athletes. This tournament serves not only as a platform for young fighters to showcase their skills but also as an influential gathering of mixed martial arts stakeholders from around the world.
Benefits of Mixed Martial Arts for Youth
- Physical Fitness: Engaging in mixed martial arts helps improve physical strength, endurance, and flexibility.
- Discipline and Focus: Training instills a sense of discipline, requiring consistent practice and improvement.
- Self-Defense Skills: Participants acquire valuable self-defense techniques that boost personal safety and confidence.
- Emotional Resilience: Facing challenges in training and competitions builds emotional robustness and resilience.
Practical Tips for Young Athletes
- Consistency is Key: Regular training sessions ensure steady progress and skill enhancement.
- Stay Mentally Prepared: Mental conditioning is as crucial as physical training; visualization techniques can enhance performance.
- Learn from Competitors: Observing others can offer insights into techniques and strategies.
- Stay Hydrated and Nutritious: Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for optimal performance.
Final Thoughts on Maintaining Legacy
The World Junior Mixed Martial Arts Championship not only highlights the prowess of young athletes but also acts as a catalyst for the growth of mixed martial arts in the UAE. Through continuous support and successful events, the nation is likely to see further enhancements in its MMA infrastructure and athlete development, fostering a legacy that inspires future generations.
