ABU DHABI // The country’s leading Emirati youth and junior women jiu-jitsu competitors were among 500-plus on hand demonstrating their skills at the IPIC Arena on Saturday.
They were competing as well as supporting the event to mark International Women’s Day for the inaugural UAE Women’s Jiu-Jitsu Championship.
The day-long event drew the cream of Emirati females between the ages of 14 and 18, competing for 53 gold medals in the various age and weight categories and a slice of the Dh100,000 prize.
Samira Al Rumaithi, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said she was “proud and excited” to see such a large number of participants and attendees at 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,” she said. “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 pursue this sport, as they will discover its benefits for the body and the mind.”
Among the established Emirati juvenile winners were Wadima Al Yafei, the first Emirati female to win a medal (bronze) at the Asian Beach Games in Vietnam last year, and national team juniors Bashayer Al Matrooshi and sisters Maha and Mahra Al Hanaei from Al Ain Club.
For Hiam Jumaa, 17, it was a new experience winning a gold in the white belt 48kg.
“This was a highly-anticipated competition, providing us the chance to take to the mats for a chance to win a medal,” she said.
“As this is the first event exclusively for Emirati females, I’m 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.”
Shamma Kalbani, 14, winner of the grey belt 57kg weight, added: “I began practising the sport just two years ago, and try to participate in most tournaments.
“When I found out the Federation was organising a ladies-only competition, I was keen to take part and am happy to have clinched the gold despite strong competition from a large number of participants.”
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