The Emirati youngsters took no prisoners on their maiden overseas competition, winning a remarkable 15 gold, 17 silver and 13 bronze medals in the American National Kids Championship.
They also topped the medal standing in the Teen and Junior categories and were fourth overall behind Atos Jiu-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and CheckMat USA in the two-day championship at the Convention Centre in Long Beach, California over the weekend.
Almost every one of the 48-member UAE squad, boys and girls of ages 10 to 16, got on to the podium in the championship that drew 330 entries in more than 100 different weight and belt divisions.
The UAE team had barely two days to adapt after their 16-hour non-stop journey of 13,500 kilometres onboard Etihad Airways Flight 171, the world’s third-longest regularly scheduled commercial flight. However, the youngsters did not show any jet-lag and return having left a lasting impression on their debut overseas competition.
They will depart on the return journey today and arrive in Abu Dhabi tomorrow.
“It is a remarkable and wonderful achievement from our youngsters participating in their first competition abroad,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
“Our main objective of sending a team abroad was for them to gain experience.
“But they exceeded all expectations to return with a big medal haul.
“The success they have had, without any doubt, is due to their dedication and hard work.
“I think the UAEJJF’s school program had a huge role to play.
“Jiu-jitsu has drawn more than 30,000 children from more than 100 schools around the country since the sport was introduced the curriculum by the Abu Dhabi Educational Council.”
The gold medals were won by the Emirati boys, but the girls, too, will take home their share with Alyazya Khalfan Al Shyari, Aisah Al Hosani, Maha Al Hinaai, and Hajer Al Kuwaiti taking silver.
apassela@thenational.ae
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