Over 500 participants battled it out across different weight categories for prize money of up to Dh100,000
Abu Dhabi: It was a spectacular demonstration of skill and talent from some of the nation’s top female Jiu-Jitsu champions, at the first-ever UAE Female Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which took place yesterday at the IPIC arena in Zayed Sports City.
This marked the first ladies-only event hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, in conjunction with International Women’s Day. The ladies-only event was attended by a panel of the nation’s top female government and sporting officials, to serve as a flagship event for young Emirati women in the UAE, particularly those who are inclined towards sports. Over 500 participants between the ages of 14 — 18 years, battled it out across different weight categories for prize money of up to Dh100,000.
Seventeen-year-old Hiam Jumaa, who won the Gold medal in the white belt 48kg category said: “This was a highly-anticipated tournament, giving us the chance to take to the mats for a chance to win a medal. I would like to thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for organising the first-event female Jiu-Jitsu championship, and am sure this is a big stepping stone for many more young women to train and develop their skills to participate in more championships in the future.”
Commenting on her win, Shamma Kalbani, the 14-year-old winner of the grey belt 57kg category said: “I began practicing Jiu-Jitsu just two years ago, and try to participate of most tournaments organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation. When I found out the Federation was organising a dedicated ladies-only tournament for female players, I was keen to take part and am happy to have clinched the gold despite strong competition from a large number of participants.”
Fourteen-year-old Shamsa Al Ameri, gold medallist for the white belt grey belt 57kg category, was also elated with her effort saying, “I was very happy to take part in the first UAE Female Jiu-Jitsu Championship, as it gave me the chance to meet a number of female sporting heroes from around the country, and gain inspiration from them. From what we’ve seen today, I was able to pick up on new tactics and see the progression of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE — with player enhancing their skills with every tournament.”
Samira Al Rumaithi, Jiu-Jitsu champion and board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation speaking on the occasion said, “I’m beyond proud and excited to see such a large number of participants and attendees at today’s event, both as an Emirati and as a woman. I’ve personally practised Jiu-Jitsu for almost 10 years now and I’ve seen such a transformation in my life, it has helped me personally and in my professional life, and I’m sure it will do the same for so many women. I would encourage more people to pick up Jiu-Jitsu, as they will discover its benefits for the body and the mind.”
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