Abu dhabi: The UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team has continued its impressive performance at the seventh IMMAF Youth World Championships, securing another medal as the Youth A division began on the fifth day at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
According to Emirates News Agency, Ghala Al Hammadi clinched silver in the Youth A Women's 52.2kg division, raising the UAE's medal tally to an impressive 19. This includes six gold, six silver, and seven bronze medals. The championship, which features over 1,100 athletes from 55 nations, is set to conclude on Sunday.
Youth A is the championship's final age category, comprising athletes aged 16-17. This level demands higher physical and technical prowess, requiring athletes to manage bouts, adapt to opponents, and perform under pressure.
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the significance of hosting such events in Abu Dhabi, stating, "Hosting a championship of this size strengthens Abu Dhabi's position as a major international sporting destination. Events like this also give Abu Dhabi the opportunity to show visitors from around the world what the emirate has to offer."
Serhii Samoilenko, President of the Ukrainian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, highlighted the growing competition level, noting, "The level of competition gets stronger every year, and national teams are also improving the way they prepare their athletes. Ukraine has won the World Championship title five years in a row, but staying at the top is harder than getting there."
UAE athlete Ghala Al Hammadi shared her thoughts on the championship, "We prepared well for this championship and trained throughout the summer. Competing in Abu Dhabi gives me extra motivation because my family is here to support me. I am proud to represent the UAE against some of the best young athletes in the world."
In addition to the competition, athletes and delegations have the opportunity to explore Abu Dhabi's attractions through tours organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi. These tours include visits to the Zayed National Museum, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Hosn, and the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, offering participants a deeper understanding of the emirate's history and culture.
As the Youth A competition continues, anticipation builds for the championship's conclusion on Sunday, marking the end of seven days of intense competition featuring some of the world's most promising young MMA talents.