UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Achieves Historic Success
The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu National Team concluded its remarkable performance at the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya 2026 by securing an unprecedented tally of eight medals, including a historic five golds. Sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, the team also garnered two silver and one bronze medals, setting a new benchmark for UAE’s prowess in the sport.
Record-Breaking Achievements
This achievement signifies UAE’s dominance in jiu-jitsu, highlighting the effective strategies implemented by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to cultivate world-class athletes. The gold medalists included Balqees Alhashmi in the women’s 48kg category, Khaled Al Shehhi in men’s 62kg, Ahmed Andeez in men’s 69kg, Mahdi Al Awlaqi in men’s 77kg, and Asma Alhosani in women’s 52kg. Silver medals were awarded to Al Anoud Al Harbi and Omar Al Suwaidi, while Amaar Alhosani secured a bronze in the men’s 94kg category.
Strategic Planning and Support
The success at the Asian Games marks a significant milestone in UAE’s sports history. Previously, the team had won two golds in Jakarta 2018 and four in Hangzhou 2023. This consistent improvement is the result of years of strategic planning and investment in both athletes and their support teams. On the final day of the competition, key figures, including Shihab Ahmed Mohamed Abdulrahim AlFaheem, UAE Ambassador to Japan, and Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, the Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, were present to witness the accomplishments.
Praise and Acknowledgments
Ambassador AlFaheem lauded the athletes for their achievements and commended the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s leadership under Abdulmunem Alsayed Mohammed Alhashmi. Al Dhaheri expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing that the federation’s objective is to achieve top honors in every competition. He credited the UAE leadership’s support for the success and acknowledged the contributions of athletes, coaches, and administrative staff.
Building on Success
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, a Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the extensive preparations undertaken months before the Games, including technical, physical, and mental training. He stated that the federation’s strategy focuses on maintaining a leading position in global rankings. Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the Federation, praised the organization of the jiu-jitsu competition at Aichi-Nagoya 2026, noting the sport’s growing popularity across Asia.
Athlete Reflections
Khaled Al Shehhi, who won gold in the men’s 62kg division, expressed pride in achieving his second consecutive title at the Asian Games. He dedicated his victory to the UAE’s leadership and supporters, highlighting the collective joy the team brought to the nation. Al Anoud Al Harbi, a silver medalist in the women’s 48kg category, expressed her delight at winning a medal in her Asian Games debut, underscoring the remarkable development of jiu-jitsu talent in the UAE.
Both athletes are motivated to continue their efforts, aiming for further success on the international stage, in line with the federation’s goals of bolstering the UAE’s standing in jiu-jitsu worldwide.
