Jakarta makes Al Ketbi ‘hungrier’ for success
Gold medallist says life hasn’t changed since the gold in Asian Games
Faisal Al Ketbi, UAE’s Asian Games jiu-jitsu gold medallist, said he is not ‘finished yet’ and fans will be seeing more of him in the coming years.
“I would say Faisal Al Ketbi had closed one page in his sporting career with that Asian Games gold and has opened another one,” said the beaming 30-yearold on the sidelines of the President’s Cup Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
The Emirati, who emerged victorious in the men’s 94-kilogram final over Jordan’s Sami Zaid in Jakarta last month, said that his life hasn’t changed drastically since his accomplishment but has increased his appetite to win more laurels.
“I wouldn’t say there is a big change in my life but it has motivated me to work harder and I’m hungrier for more success,” said Al Ketbi, who also accepted that at 30 he will have to double his efforts to be in the best of shape.
“My life as an athlete is going to be harder and I know that. I would like to keep the level. I want to remain as the top athlete in Asia. I’m aware that it is easier to reach the top but to stay there is difficult,” said Al Ketbi, who was confident of being in the best shape to take a shot at defending his title in China in four years’ time.
“Four years is not a long time. I remember it was like yesterday we were talking about Jakarta and we were there and it is over. So I feel these four years will fly. We all have to remember that we have a responsibility to keep our flag flying high. So I have already set my sight on that,” added Al Ketbi, who is also well aware that the task will be cut out for him and UAE team with other countries fast catching up.
“Yes, other teams will be catching up and players from other disciplines are moving to jiu-jitsu. We have to keep improving our skills.”