Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, the fifth edition of the Fujairah International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicked off yesterday, amid strong participation of international professional players over 16 years in the junior and adult categories and the master (without a suit) to win colorful medals.
The "rug of tolerance" ignited enthusiasm among the players, with the aim of winning and reaching the first podium in the Year of Tolerance, after the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation named the main rug of the tournament as the "rug of tolerance" and circulated it to all jiu-jitsu tournaments this year.
The competitions of the first day were attended by Brigadier General Ahmed Hamdan Al-Zeyoudi, Executive Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, Youssef Abdullah Al-Batran, member of the Board of Directors of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Mohammed bin Amer, representative of the General Sports Authority in the Eastern Province.
The Fujairah International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship received exceptional support at the level of organization and coordination provided by the Fujairah Martial Arts Club with the aim of providing the highest levels of support and adopting the highest standards of organization for the success of the tournament, which was launched at Zayed Sports Complex.
The first day of the tournament witnessed the competitions of men and junior players (without a suit) on five rugs, while on the second day the women’s players competitions (with a suit) in all categories will be held on 7 rugs, which will be divided into five belts, which are white, blue, and violet, Brown, black, and includes 7 weights per strap. It will be judged by 13 arbitrators.
Abdullah Muhammad Ali, who plays in the purple belt category, won the gold in the weight of 62 kilograms, while Khaled Raafat won the gold in the weight of 92 kilograms in the purple belt in the masters category, and Luis Venturino, in the black belt, won the gold in the weight of 83 kilograms.
Brigadier General Ahmed Hamdan Al Zeyoudi, Executive Director of the Fujairah Martial Arts Club, said: We are proud of hosting this distinguished event and the efforts to make this important tournament a success, and we are confident in our abilities to organize the tournament according to the highest standards.
Al-Zeyoudi considered that this tournament was of special importance, by launching the "rug of tolerance", in an initiative that carries with it the highest meanings of pride that the Emirate of Fujairah is the first place to implement this initiative at the level of jiu-jitsu in conjunction with the Year of Tolerance, in a message to all concerned parties. That the UAE is a land of goodness and tolerance, and Jiu-Jitsu is the best ambassador who establishes this prestigious value, praising the efforts of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Yusuf Abdullah Al-Batran, a member of the Board of Directors of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation, confirmed that the Fujairah International Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most important major competitions within the sports season, as it supports and enhances the principle of diversity in reaching the game's fans, followers and players at the level of the emirates of the country.
Al-Batran explained that the Emirates Jiu-Jitsu Federation is currently reviewing its strategies and objectives until 2022, following the achievement of all the desired goals in terms of tournaments, the number of registered players, and access to global podiums, as the next stage requires adopting a strategic approach that supports our mission in maintaining achievements. achieved in “Jakarta 2018”, and to assure the world that we are able to achieve victory and raise the name of the UAE high.
For his part, Abdullah Salem Al Zaabi, Acting Director of the Technical Department of the Jiu-Jitsu Federation, confirmed that the Emirate of Fujairah is one of the strategic stations within the 2018-2019 sports season competitions, as it is a major center for attracting all players from different groups and nationalities at the state level.
Al Zaabi pointed out that the past period witnessed the establishment of successive tournaments that contributed to raising the level of players, which we feel in the interest of the rational leadership and its unremitting follow-up to enhance the success of the tournaments and its role in building skills and capabilities.
Al Zaabi explained that the Fujairah Championship, on its first day, attracted a large number of coaches and talent scouts to learn about new capabilities and competencies, which can be included in the national team during the next stage.
Al Zaabi noted the record numbers witnessed by the Fujairah Championship and its attracting increasing numbers of players, which in itself is an indication of the importance of using large and spacious halls to accommodate the steady increase in the number of participating players.
Ibrahim Abdullah Al Hosani, arbitrator and coach, confirmed that the most important feature of the first day of the Fujairah International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is that it is (without a suit), which is considered one of the most exciting competitions given the nature of the game and the technical techniques that players must follow.
Coach Ramon Lemos confirmed that the Fujairah International Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is one of the most important tournaments that contribute to enhancing the level and efficiency of players, which supports the status of the international jiu-jitsu championships held in Al Ain and Ras Al Khaimah.