The UAE Jiu-Jitsu team added 12 medals in the Under-18 category at the Asian Youth Championship in Kazakhstan, taking the country’s overall tally to 27 medals and reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s leading jiu-jitsu nations.
ALMATY: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has strengthened its standing as one of Asia’s leading martial arts programmes after securing 12 additional medals at the third Jiu-Jitsu Asian Youth Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The latest success pushed the nation’s overall medal count to 27, reflecting years of investment in youth development and elite athlete preparation.
Competing in the Under-18 division at Almaty Arena, the UAE athletes claimed four gold, two silver and six bronze medals through a series of disciplined performances against some of the continent’s strongest young competitors. The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, demonstrated tactical awareness, technical precision and composure throughout closely contested bouts, with several matches decided by narrow margins.
The gold medals were won by Zainab Al-Mansoori in the Over 70kg category, Saif Al Baloushi in the Under 48kg division, Hazza Al-Kaabi in the Under 56kg category and Zayed Al-Hosani in the Under 85kg division. Silver medals were secured by Haneen Al-Khouri and Khalfan Al-Zaidi, while six other athletes earned bronze medals across multiple weight categories.
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These latest achievements follow the team’s earlier success in the Under-16 competition, where UAE athletes collected 15 medals. Combined, the results have taken the national tally to seven gold, seven silver and 13 bronze medals at this year’s continental championship.
Officials say the performances reflect the country’s long-term commitment to developing young sporting talent through structured training programmes and consistent international competition.
Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, Secretary-General of both the UAE and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, said the achievements were made possible through continuous support for sport and sustained investment in emerging athletes.
He explained that the federation follows a comprehensive development strategy focused on identifying talent from an early age, providing scientific training programmes, organising specialised training camps and ensuring regular participation in international tournaments. According to Al-Shamsi, these efforts have helped establish the UAE as both a leading force in Asia and an important global centre for jiu-jitsu development.
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He also described the Under-18 category as a critical stage in preparing athletes for elite-level competition, noting that the maturity and technical ability displayed by the young competitors reflected the success of the federation’s long-term planning.
Yasser Mohammed Al-Qubaisi, Head of National Teams, said the championship had highlighted the athletes’ growing ability to adapt tactically during matches while maintaining concentration under pressure. He added that the event also provides coaches with valuable technical insights that will help shape preparations for future regional and international competitions.
Gold medallist Zayed Al-Hosani said discipline, careful preparation and following the coaches’ guidance were key to reaching the top of the podium. He described representing the UAE as a privilege that motivates him to continue improving and pursuing further success.
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Fellow gold medallist Zainab Al-Mansoori said the competition required complete focus and mental resilience, adding that the support of the coaching staff had helped her overcome difficult challenges throughout the tournament.
Attention now turns to the Under-21 contests, where the UAE National Team will look to build on its momentum and further increase its medal tally. With another strong group of athletes set to compete, the country will be aiming to continue its impressive run and reinforce its reputation as one of Asia’s most successful jiu-jitsu nations.
