The UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team excelled at the Grand Prix Thailand Open 2024, bringing home a total of 15 medals, including five gold, three silver, and seven bronze. The event, which took place in Bangkok, was a crucial opportunity for the team to showcase their skills and prepare for upcoming international competitions, such as the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece. The team’s performance was particularly noteworthy on the opening day of the championship, with the women’s category delivering a strong performance, building on their success from the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship in Abu Dhabi earlier in the year.
One standout athlete from the UAE team was Balqees Alhashmi, who secured a gold medal in the -54 kg division. Aysha Alshamsi, Asma Alhosani, Shamma Alkalbani, and Maitha Shraim also contributed to the team’s success by winning silver and bronze medals in their respective weight categories. The male athletes were equally impressive on the second day of the championship, with Khalid Alblooshi, Mahdi Alawlaqi, Saeed Alkubaisi, and Omar Alsuwaidi clinching gold medals. Overall, the team displayed remarkable talent and dedication, earning praise from Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, for their outstanding performance.
Al Dhaheri commended the national team for their commendable performance at the Grand Prix Thailand Open, highlighting their hard work and commitment to success on the international stage. He emphasized the valuable experience gained from competing against top athletes, which will help the team improve and prepare for future championships. Khalid Alblooshi, who won gold in the men’s -62 kg category, expressed his excitement over the team’s success and pledged to continue their physical and mental development to maintain their competitive edge.
Balqees Alhashmi, the gold medallist in the women’s -54 kg division, expressed her pride in reaching the podium and credited the team’s hard work and preparation for their success. She emphasized the importance of training with determination and focus, particularly in preparation for the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Greece. The team is eager to continue their training and performance to uphold their title for the fifth consecutive year and maintain the UAE’s successful legacy in international Jiu-Jitsu competitions. With a strong foundation of talent, dedication, and commitment, the UAE Jiu-Jitsu national team is poised for continued success on the global stage.
