UAE Youth Jiu-Jitsu Team Wins Seven Medals in Bangkok

The United Arab Emirates under-21 Jiu-Jitsu team began their journey at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand, with an impressive start. The championship, held from November 12 to 14, brings together young athletes from around the world. The UAE team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, made the country proud by winning a total of seven medals — two gold, three silver, and two bronze.

The UAE players showed great talent and determination during the competition. Ammar Al Hosani won a gold medal in the under-94 kg category, while Rashid Al Shehhi won gold in the under-56 kg category. Their strong performances reflected the team’s high level of training and preparation before the tournament.

Three more Emirati athletes earned silver medals. Fahad Al Hammadi secured silver in the under-77 kg category, Rashid Al Hemani took silver in the over-94 kg category, and Mohammed Al Shehhi earned silver in the under-56 kg category. Additionally, Faisal Al Wahidi won bronze in the under-69 kg division, and Abdulrahman Mohammed added another bronze in the under-62 kg category.

Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the young players for their success. He said the achievements show how far the UAE has come in developing Jiu-Jitsu at all levels. According to him, every victory is the result of teamwork and an organized system that starts with family encouragement, continues through training in schools and clubs, and is guided by the vision of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, which has set the right path for building champions.

He also spoke about the importance of the school Jiu-Jitsu program, saying it has become one of the strongest foundations for the sport’s growth in the UAE. This program helps young people develop not only athletic ability but also discipline, confidence, and focus. Many of today’s champions began through school programs that helped them build the skills needed to succeed on the international stage.

Gold medalist Rashid Al Shehhi, who won in the under-56 kg category, expressed his pride in representing the UAE. He said his victory was not just a personal achievement but a message to other young Emiratis that determination and discipline can lead to success. “I started learning Jiu-Jitsu at school,” he said. “I discovered that Jiu-Jitsu is not only a sport but a way of life that teaches respect, confidence, and teamwork. My family has always supported me, and their encouragement pushed me to do my best.”

The championship will continue in Bangkok with the under-21 girls’ category next in line to compete. The UAE team has strong hopes for continued success, and the athletes are motivated to add more medals to the country’s total count. The girls’ matches are expected to bring more excitement and further highlight the UAE’s strength in the sport.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation continues to work hard to develop young talent and prepare athletes for major international events. With strong backing from Mubadala Investment Company, the federation provides modern training programs and facilities to help players reach their full potential. This continuous investment in youth is helping to build a new generation of world-class athletes.

The success in Bangkok reflects the UAE’s long-term commitment to developing Jiu-Jitsu as a national sport and lifestyle. The young players have demonstrated not only great skill but also discipline and respect — the true spirit of Jiu-Jitsu.

Winning seven medals, including two golds, marks an important achievement for the UAE on the international stage. It shows that the country’s vision to nurture young athletes and promote sports excellence is delivering strong results. The under-21 Jiu-Jitsu team has made the nation proud and set a bright example for future champions to follow.