ABU DHABI // Al Ain Club have four teenagers in their ranks to thank for winning the inaugural President’s Cup Jiu-Jitsu title on Saturday.
Humaid Al Kaabi, Khalifa Nasrati Al Balooshi, Salem Sultan Al Dhaheri and Saaid Al Haj returned to club duty following success on the international stage last week to help Al Ain come away with 21 medals.
All four members competed at the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation’s World Championship for Aspirants and Juniors in Athens where the UAE clinched seven gold, four silver and two bronze medals.
It was just a matter of cashing in on that form in Al Ain colours as the Garden City club bagged 12 gold medals from the 30 that were up for grabs, as well as five silver and four bronze, in the third and final leg of the President’s Cup at Ipic Arena.
“The President’s Cup is a prestigious title to win for me as well as for my club,” said Al Kaabi, who returned with a gold medal from Athens. “My national team and club colleagues shared the same sentiment.
“Our energy levels were still high when we returned from Athens and we all decided to compete.”
The cup competition was also their final event before the Abu Dhabi Youth World Cup in two weeks’ time.
“All 17 players who travelled to Athens did well,” Al Kaabi said. “We returned with 13 medals. Khalifa and Salem won gold and Saaid a bronze.
“The cup competition wasn’t at the same level but still a competition that pits us against some of the leading Emirati fighters. It was a hectic week but the end result was sweet.”
Zayed Al Kaabi in the 94-kilogram weight and Hamdan Al Balooshi (85kg) were two other senior national team members to clinch gold for Al Ain.
“This is an achievement that no others can take away, being the first club to win this prestigious title,” Al Balooshi said.
“The competition, as always, was very tough. I’m glad that I was able to do my part and contribute to the club’s success.”
Al Jazira were second ahead of Al Wahda in the competition that was staged over three rounds and drew 14 clubs from across the country.
“The champion club are presented a specially designed first edition of the President’s Cup, and congratulations to them,” said Abdulmunam Al Hashmi, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union and chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
“This is a memorable day for jiu-jitsu in the UAE, and will serve as an example and a source of inspiration for many of our emerging athletes.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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apassela@thenational.ae
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