Suspense levels rise on 3rd day of Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Over 350 players took part in competition
ABU DHABI, UAE, April 20: Excitement filled the IPIC Arena on the third day of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2017, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. Elite Jiu-Jitsu players showed off their talents and techniques in front of thousands of Jiu-Jitsu fans who flocked to the Arena from all over the world and millions followed the Championship developments on TV.
Today’s competition saw the first round of the qualifiers kick off in the adult, male and female finals as well as in the masters 1 & 2 male categories in the brown and black belt divisions.
More than 350 players from 25 countries took part in today’s competition which saw the UAE National team display brilliant techniques and skills with Ahmad Al Ketbi taking gold in the masters 2 category, 69 kg.
Speaking after his win Al Ketbi said: “I dedicate my win to our royal family, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and to the Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union and Senior Vice-President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation H.E. Abdulmunem Al Sayed Mohammed Al Hashmi. Thank you to the Federation for developing the sport to such a high level and because of them Abu Dhabi has now become the global capital of Jiu-Jitsu.”
“The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation supports us tremendously. They have helped us to build our self-confidence and overcome the elite players from Brazil, Russia and the United States of America. We are now competing in world championships around the world and are excelling and winning medals.”
UAE National Team member Obeid Al Kaabi also won a bronze medal in the masters 2 category in the 69 kg division brown belt category proving his ability to compete against the world’s elite players.
Brazil continued to dominate the Abu Dhabi World Professional JiuJitsu Championship medal table with 9 medals (4 gold, 3 silver,2 bronze). USA finished second with 6 medal (3 gold, 3 silver), UK finished in third place with 4 medals (1 gold, 3 silver), Canada finished in fourth place with 2 medals (1 gold,1 silver), Kazakhstan in fifth place with 2 medals (1 gold, 1 silver) and UAE in sixth place with 2 medals (1 gold and 1 bronze).
Today the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship initiative was “Regional Tourism” in partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority. Activities to promote Abu Dhabi as a global tourist, sports, medical and educational destination were promoted throughout the day in the IPIC Fan Zone and across the Arena. Abu Dhabi is a great destination for visitors wishing to enjoy the world-class tourism, culture and entertainment. The Capital has lots to offer which reflects the position of Abu Dhabi and has excellent services, landmarks and facilities. Mohamad Sultan Al Zaabi, representative of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Cultural Authority said: “Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority gives great importance to tourism in general, and sports tourism in Abu Dhabi in particular, which is a forum for fans and sports enthusiasts from around the world. Sports and its facilities in many
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cities contribute to the economy and the development by hosting international sporting events.”
He Added: “We are keen to support and participate in all the sporting activities and events which enriches Abu Dhabi on the sports, tourism, economy and culture levels.”
As well as fierce competition on the mat, spectators could take part in activities for the whole family in the IPIC Fan Zone. Everyone was also able to sam- ple the delicious food at the food trucks park, open throughout the Championship. Each day there’s also a draw for one lucky winner to win a return ticket on Etihad Airways which will take them anywhere on the Etihad Airways flight network. Spectators can even enter a draw to win a brand-new car from Premier Motors; a Jaguar XE.
Jiu-Jitsu aficionados, sports enthusiasts, families and entertainments seekers alike are waiting in anticipation for the ninth edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, which will take place on April 22 at the IPIC Arena.