5th IMMAF Youth World Championships Kick Off in Abu Dhabi

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the 5th IMMAF Youth World Championships have commenced at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City, Abu Dhabi. The event, organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, will run until 10 August 2024.

This marks the third consecutive year that Abu Dhabi is hosting the championship. The competition is set to feature over 800 young athletes from more than 45 countries, competing in three categories: Youth C (12-13 years), Youth B (14-15 years), and Youth A (16-17 years). The UAE National Team, which achieved first place among Arab teams and fourth place overall last year, will also be a strong contender.

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His Excellency Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Al Hashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, extended his gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for his unwavering support of UAE sports. He also expressed appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his patronage and guidance, which he said are crucial to the event's success and serve as a significant motivation for aspiring athletes.

Al Hashmi noted that the leadership's support for sports inspires local talent and encourages them to excel and represent the nation on regional and international stages. He emphasized that Abu Dhabi’s role as the host of the World Youth Mixed Martial Arts Championship for the third year highlights its reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events.

The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures including Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club; His Excellency Rashed Lahej Al Mansoori, Director General of Abu Dhabi Customs; His Excellency Rashed Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, Undersecretary of the Department of Economic Development - Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Engineer Hamad Ali Al Dhaheri, Undersecretary of the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; and Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF).