Baniyas Jiu-Jitsu Club emerged as the dominant force in both the adult and under-16 divisions at the conclusion of The Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. The competition, hosted at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City over the weekend, featured elite female athletes from the UAE across different age categories, including adult, under-18, under-16, and the newly introduced under-14 divisions. The victors were presented with a prize amount surpassing $108,000 by the UAE's minister of state for foreign trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al-Zeyoud.
In the under-14 category, Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, and Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club claimed the top three positions. Baniyas secured the first place in the under-16 division, with Al-Wahda and Al-Ain following closely.
Moving on to the under-18 group, Al-Wahda clinched the top spot, while Baniyas and Al-Ain secured second and third places. In the adult category, Baniyas emerged as the champions, with Al-Wahda and Al-Ain securing second and third places, respectively.
Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the athletes, highlighting the consistent excellence of Emirati women across various fields. He emphasized the significance of The Mother of the Nation Jiu-Jitsu Cup as a vital platform for showcasing the skills of Emirati girls and continuing the legacy of sporting excellence in the UAE.
Salem Naif Al-Kuthairi, vice chairman of Baniyas, extended congratulations and expressed joy over the achievement, acknowledging the tournament's importance. He praised the management's efforts and the players' dedication.
Aisha Alhammadi, a Sharjah native and gold medalist in the under-14, credited her success to persistent training and steadfast support from the club, federation, family, and friends. Dana Ali Al-Breiki of Al-Jazira, who secured gold in the under-18, emphasized the lessons of determination and preparation learned through jiu-jitsu, acknowledging the club's collective accomplishment and boosting the self-esteem of her female teammates.
