ABU DHABI // On a day when girl power in UAE jiu-jitsu was celebrated, winner after winner at the Abu Dhabi Children’s World Championship on Monday said she wanted to further develop her skills in the sport.
Hessa Khamis Al Hosani, 12, who won gold in the 34.5-kilogram white-belt competition, said: “I thoroughly enjoy playing jiu-jitsu. I have my family’s support to let me continue on this journey.
“I was very positive about my win today. With everyone supporting me and keeping my head high I had no doubt that I would not lose.
“I love this sport and I want to continue to get better at it. I want to pursue it and I have my family to thank for giving me this opportunity.”
Hessa was one of about 40 Emiratis who travelled to a Kids competition in California last October and she won a bronze medal there. She has been participating in the sport for a year.
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The IPIC Arena was a cauldron of sound at times in the afternoon, when the gold-medal matches in four belt classes were contested and friends, families and schoolmates vocally urged on the athletes.
Wadima Al Shamsi, 12, who won the 34kg white-belt gold said she was happy her classmates from Moza bint Buti School were there to see her win.
“I did not expect a win and if I did not win the first place I will still be happy and will try harder next time,” she said.
May Sharrif, 15, won gold for the first time in the 66.5kg white-belt class.
“I love this sport. I got used to playing it. It is part of my life now and I hope to reach the highest level,” she said.
“I worked hard to finally win the gold medal. Knowing that I achieved to win the gold medal is more than a dream come true.
“There is no stop with this sport.”
She has been training in jiu-jitsu for four years and said her family are very supportive and will allow her to continue.
Mubarka Ghareb, 14, a champion at 60.5kg, said she would like to earn a black belt in the sport.
“I feel I worked hard to reach here,” she said, and expressed her pride in representing her country.
A gold medal was not a requirement for feeling a sense of achievement. Sheym Hussien, 13, was content with a bronze medal in her class.
“I did not mind winning the third place as long as I won something,” she said. “This means it is an approval that I can do it.”
malshamsi@thenational.ae
