The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu National Team extended its strong performance at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship by securing 13 medals in the Under-18 category on Tuesday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. The competition, held under the auspices of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, runs through August 9 and features more than 1,500 athletes from around the world.
Among the standout competitors were Saif Al Baloushi (Under-48kg), Saif Al Ameri (Under-62kg), and Zayed Al Hosani (Under-85kg), each of whom captured gold medals in their respective weight classes. Their victories helped the UAE maintain its bid for a seventh consecutive world title in the sport.
The latest medal haul increased the UAE’s overall count to 52, following a strong start to the championship that saw the team earn 39 medals across various age groups. Prior to Tuesday, the team had accumulated 12 medals in the Under-14 World Cup, 13 in the Under-21 category, and 14 in the Under-16 division.
Additional podium finishes for the host nation included silver medals won by Zainab Al Mansoori (Under-70kg) and Abdullah Andeez (Under-69kg). Bronze medals were awarded to Shamma Al Mansoori (Under-40kg), Haneen Al Khouri (Under-57kg), Taif Al Hammadi (Under-63kg), Khaled Al Ghaithi (Under-52kg), Hamed Al Maskari (Under-62kg), Moza Al Ali (Under-48kg), Hazza Al Kaabi (Under-56kg), and Ali Al Najar (Under-56kg).
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the Under-18 athletes for their composure and strategic approach during the competition. He noted that the category demands more than technical skill, emphasizing the importance of quick decision-making, adaptability, and mental resilience against a range of opponents. Al Batran highlighted how the diverse pathways to victory among the athletes reflected both the depth and quality of the national team, offering valuable insights for ongoing development.
Gold medallist Saif Al Ameri attributed his success to intensive preparation and prior experience, describing the achievement as especially meaningful since it took place on home soil. “We spent three weeks in a training camp, working hard to improve our performances and learn from one another,” he said. “I had great support at the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship three times before and won silver each time. This year, thanks to hard work and perseverance, I finally won gold. Winning it here in the UAE, in front of our home fans, makes it even more special.”
Youth competitions concluded on Wednesday, with the event shifting focus to the Adult and Para Jiu-Jitsu categories from August 6 through August 9.