Abu dhabi: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has set off for Japan ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, where the jiu-jitsu competition will be held from October 1-3 and will feature some of Asia's leading athletes.
According to Emirates News Agency, the team comprises 16 athletes, including 10 men and six women, who will represent the UAE across all weight divisions. The men's squad includes Omar Al Suwaidi and Khaled Al Shehhi at 62kg, Ahmed Andeez and Omar Alfadhli at 69kg, Mahdi Al Awlaqi and Fahad Al Hammadi at 77kg, Saeed Alkubaisi and Faraj Al Awlaqi at 85kg, and Abdullah Al Qubaisi and Amaar Al Hosani at 94kg. The women's squad features Alanood Al Harbi and Balqees Alhashmi at 48kg, Asma Alhosani and Shamsa Al Ameri at 52kg, and Shamma Al Kalbani and Aisha Al Jneibi at 63kg.
The team embarks on this journey following an intensive preparation programme that included participation in Asian and international championships, along with a training camp in Brazil. The camp focused on technical and physical preparation, providing the athletes with valuable experience against opponents with different styles.
Mubarak Saleh Al Menhali, Technical Director at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the significance of the preparation period. He stated, 'The training camp in Brazil was an important part of our preparations, giving the athletes the chance to train at a high level and compete against athletes with different styles of jiu-jitsu. We focused on improving the athletes' technical skills, match management and physical and mental readiness. We are confident in the team and believe the athletes are ready to perform at their best and build on the UAE's achievements at previous Asian Games.'
The UAE heads to Aichi-Nagoya with a formidable Asian Games record. The National Team won nine of the UAE's 14 medals at Jakarta 2018 before topping the jiu-jitsu standings at Hangzhou 2022 with 10 medals, including four gold.
Shamma Al Kalbani, a gold medallist at the Hangzhou Asian Games, shared her thoughts, saying, 'Winning gold in Hangzhou gave me valuable experience and confidence, but every competition is different. Previous success does not guarantee anything, so I need to be fully focused and prepared for every match in Japan. Representing the UAE at the Asian Games is a big responsibility. Everyone in the team wants to perform at their best and continue the UAE's success in jiu-jitsu.'
The UAE will face strong competition in Aichi-Nagoya, with the level of jiu-jitsu continuing to improve across Asia. The National Team will need to be fully prepared technically, physically and mentally as it looks to add to its strong Asian Games medal record.