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UAE dominates JJIF World Championship Youth

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The UAE National Jiu-Jitsu Team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, has once again etched its name in history by securing its fourth consecutive victory at the JJIF World Championship Youth in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The team’s incredible performance showcased the athletes’ amazing skills and determination, further solidifying the UAE’s leadership in the sport worldwide.

Young male and female athletes competed fiercely in the Under-21 division on Friday. The final day of the competition witnessed four all-Emirati finals, with the National Team winning a total of 15 medals, including 7 gold, 5 silver, and 3 bronze medals. This success brought the UAE’s total medal count to an impressive 46, consisting of 15 gold, 12 silver, and 19 bronze medals. This achievement is significant as the UAE had already won the Jiu-Jitsu World Championships for Adults held in Mongolia in July.

In the women’s Under-21 division, Aysha Alshamsi (45 kg), Balqees Al Hashemi (48 kg), and Shamma Alkalbani (63 kg) secured gold medals, while Sara Alhammadi (45 kg) and Shamma Alblooshi (48 kg) received silver medals.

For the men’s Under-21 division, Omar Alsuwaidi (56 kg), Khaled Alshehhi (62 kg), Faraj Alawlaqi (77 kg), and Abdulrahman Alshimmari (85 kg) all earned gold medals. In the same division, Mahdi Alawlaqi (77 kg), Saeed Hamad Taufiq Alkubaisi (85 kg) and Fahad Alhammadi (69 kg) won silver medals. Amaar Alhosani (94 kg), Saud Alhosani (62 kg), and Sultan Hassan (69 kg) claimed bronze medals.

This historic accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional abilities of male and female UAE champions. Khaled Al Shehhi, Shamma Al Kalbani, and Balqees Al Hashemi achieved a remarkable feat by winning gold in the U-21 category at the World Championship in Kazakhstan, as well as securing gold in the adult category at the World Championships in Mongolia last month. These achievements highlight the UAE’s leading global position in combat sports.

Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Deputy Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Head of the Delegation to Kazakhstan, expressed his admiration for the National Team’s remarkable achievements. He said, “today, our National Team champions have achieved impressive results, significantly contributing to the country’s medal tally. Their outstanding performance has enabled us to secure the top position in jiu-jitsu competitions for the fourth consecutive year. The credit for this goes to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their invaluable guidance and support towards the development of jiu-jitsu in the country.”

Al Dhaheri added, “The excellent performance displayed by our athletes today is a testament to the effectiveness of our comprehensive and consistent success strategy, which involves the players, the technical staff, and the Federation’s dedicated team. They have shouldered the responsibility and met the high expectations set for them. Their well-deserved victory in the Under-18 and 21 categories underscore their competence and dedication. We take pride in this exceptional generation of champions, who consistently bring honour to our nation by showcasing their skills on the global stage.”

Mubarak Al Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the exceptional display of our players in the face of a formidable lineup of international champions. He said, “Our athletes have secured 46 medals, a substantial lead over other teams that secured lower ranks. The challenges presented in the competitions were undoubtedly formidable, yet our champions exemplified outstanding patience, persistence, and unwavering professionalism throughout each match.”

“The World Championship demands diverse techniques and strategic approaches due to the elevated skill levels of the participants. This necessitates meticulous planning and training by the Federation and the technical team. Our players have embraced innovative techniques, refined their skills, and adopted sophisticated technical strategies. Their resolute adherence to these strategies has enabled them to triumph over every challenge they encountered,” he added.

Khaled Alshehhi, who won the 62kg category gold medal, said, “I can’t describe how happy I am to win two gold medals in Kazakhstan and Mongolia in just one month. These wins show that hard work, determination, and not giving up are so important. Even though the fights were tough, we never stopped trying.”

Aysha Alshamsi, who earned the gold in the 45kg category, also thanked the coach and said, “Winning the gold medal at the World Championships makes me really happy. I had to work really hard and listen to my coach to beat my opponents.”

Faraj Alawlaqi, the 77 kg category champion, also felt the same way. “Right from the start of the championship, we were focused on maintaining the success our teammates before us achieved. We’re proud that we could perform so well in the World Championship, despite the tough competition.”

Balqees Al Hashemi, who secured gold in the final match of the 48 kg category, said, “I can’t put into words how amazing it feels to win and to have the national flag around me. I want to congratulate my teammates, and I’m really proud of how well we did in the whole tournament. I want to dedicate this significant win to our wise leaders and the people of the Emirates. Additionally, to all the Emirati women who have achieved amazing things in various fields. They serve as great examples for women all around the world.”

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Top Women Chess Players Take Centre Stage in 2024 Global Chess League Draft

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The Global Chess League, a joint venture between FIDE and Tech Mahindra, is all set for the second season as 30 of the world’s best chess players were handpicked by six franchises during the Player Draft held on Sunday in New Delhi.

Following the huge success of the inaugural edition in Dubai last year, the second season is scheduled to take place from October 3rd to 12th at Friends House in London. All six teams – Alpine SG PipersGanges GrandmastersMumba Masters, PBG Alaskan Knights, defending champions Triveni Continental Kings, and the debutants American Gambits– engaged in a thrilling bidding process to assemble strong squads for the second season of the league.

With 1000 points allocated to use during the bidding process, each franchise filled their quota of two Superstar Men, two Superstar Women, and one Prodigy player, in addition to the Icons announced last month.

The stellar line-up of Icon players include Magnus Carlsen (Alpine SG Pipers), Viswanathan Anand (Ganges Grandmasters), Maxime Vachier-Lagrave (Mumba Masters) Ian Nepomniachtchi (Triveni Continental Kings), and debutants Hikaru Nakamura (American Gambits) and Anish Giri (PBG Alaskan Knights).

The proceedings began with Richard Rapport getting drafted into Alpine SG Pipers, who completed their quota of Superstar Men after retaining the services of Praggnanandhaa R. American Gambits then completed their Superstar Men slots by picking Vladislav Artemiev and Jan-Krzysztof Duda. Arjun Erigaisi and Parham Maghsoodloo were drafted to Ganges Grandmasters, while PBG Alaskan Knights acquired Shakhriyar Mamedyarov and retained Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Triveni Continental Kings picked up Wei Yi and Teimour Radjabov.

Arjun Erigaisi, who recently broke into top five in World Rankings, expressed, “The player draft was absolutely thrilling and I am happy to turn up for the Ganges Grandmasters. They have picked versatile players and I look forward to a fantastic event in London.”

The Superstar Women dominated the Player Draft as franchises used significant amount of points from their purse to acquire their services. Apart from retaining Yan Zhongyi, PBG Alaskan Knights picked up Alina Kashlinskaya. Vaishali R and Nurgyul Salimova were drafted by Ganges Grandmasters, while Alexandra Kosteniuk and Valentina Gunina were acquired by Triveni Continental Kings. American Gambits filled in their quota of Superstar Women with Bibisara Assaubayeva and Elisabeth Paehtz, while Grandmasters Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli were retained by Mumba Masters.

Four-time Women’s World Champion Hou Yifan said, “Firstly, I am happy to be part of the Global Chess League Season 2. The opening season in Dubai created a lot of buzz in the chess world and this time, I am happy to be part of the Alpine SG in this edition.”

PBG Alaskan Knights picked up Nihal Sarin, while Mumba Masters used their remaining purse to acquire Raunak Sadhwani. Daniel Dardha went to Alpine SG Pipers, Volodar Murzin to Ganges Grandmasters, Javokhir Sindarov to defending champions Triveni Continental Kings and Jonas Buhl Bjerre to American Gambits. 

Expressing excitement on joining PBG Alaskan Knights, star prodigy Nihal Sarin, said, “For someone my age, coming up the ranks in this sport, I am super thrilled to be part of the Global Chess League Season 2. I am looking forward to learn from the stalwarts playing in this season and I am happy to be part of PBG Alaskan Knights this season.”

Upon the successful completion of the player draft for this second season, Sameer Pathak, CEO, Global Chess League, said, “We had an action-packed day at the players draft. All six franchises have put together strong and equal teams, and with the second season taking place in London, it is poised to be bigger and more exciting. Best wishes to all the players and franchises, we are eagerly anticipating a cracking extravaganza in October.

In the tournament, each team will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system.

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Praggnanandhaa, Nodirbeck, Arjun named among Superstar Men for Tech Mahindra Global Chess League Season 2

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The Global Chess League, a joint venture between  FIDE and Tech Mahindra, today announced its star-studded list of men players for the second season, scheduled to be held from 3rd to 12th October at Friends House in London.

Joining the ranks of Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, and Viswanathan Anand in the second season are returning Superstars, including World No. 4 Arjun Erigaisi, World No. 6 Nodirbek Abdusattorov, World No. 8 Praggnanandhaa R, and World No. 10 Wei Yi. Praggnanandhaa R, who stole the limelight in the prodigy round of the first season and was awarded Player of the Tournament for his exceptional performance, will compete in the Superstar men’s category.

Making the competition even more compelling, Vidit Gujrathi, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, Richárd Rapport, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Teimour Radjabov, Alexander Grischuk, Parham Maghsoodloo, and Vladislav Artemiev will also be a part of the 12-member list of Superstar men players for the second season.

Sameer Pathak, CEO of the Global Chess League, said, We are delighted to announce the list of Superstar men players for the upcoming season. These elite players are poised to deliver thrilling and unforgettable games for their teams in the league’s innovative format that incentivizes risk-taking. We are confident that these players will deliver a remarkable chess spectacle in London.”

The first-of-its-kind franchise-based league features a total of six teams consisting of six players – one Icon player, two Superstar male players, two Superstar female players, and one prodigy in each team. In the tournament, each team will play a total of 10 matches in a double round-robin format, with the winner of each match being decided in a best-of-six board scoring system.

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Top Women Stars Wenjun, Koneru, Vaishali to Shine in Global Chess League Season 2

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The Global Chess League, a joint venture between  FIDE and Tech Mahindra, today announced the list of women Superstars who will be competing in the second season scheduled from October 3rd to 12th at Friends House in London.

In the second season, the reigning FIDE World Champion, Ju Wenjun, will be making her debut. She will be joined by World No. 1, Hou Yifan, who is returning to the premier annual chess event, alongside Indian chess Superstars Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli. The line-up also includes some of the biggest names in women’s chess, such as Kateryna Lagno, Gunina Valentina, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Tan Zhongyi, and Nurgyul Salimova.

In addition, the upcoming season of the Global Chess League will feature Vaishali Rambabu, the latest Indian woman to achieve Grandmaster rank, alongside her brother Praggnanandhaa. This makes them the first brother-sister duo to participate in the league. The roster of women Superstars also includes Alina Kashlinskaya, the 2019 European Women’s Individual Chess Champion, and Bibisara Assaubayeva, former World Blitz Champion.

World Chess Champion Ju Wenjun, said, “I followed the first season of the Global Chess League and it was very exciting to watch the unique format. The tremendous response from fans and the chess fraternity made it even more special. I am eagerly looking forward to the second season in London, where I can once again immerse myself in this wonderful experience.”

Making her debut in the second season, Grandmaster Vaishali R, added, “The world of chess has long sought a worldwide sports event that places male and female players on the same pedestal. The Global Chess League is bridging this gap and truly bringing chess as a visual spectacle to television screens across the world. I am delighted to be a part of the league this year and am looking forward to competing in front of fans in London.”

Sameer Pathak, CEO, Global Chess League, said, “The roster of women Superstars in the Global Chess League is truly exciting. These champion players will deliver intense and inspiring games for their teams. Our unique format, which brings together men, women, and prodigy players on the same teams, is a game-changer in professional sports. We are confident that the fans will be captivated by the intense matches in the second season.”

Adding to the excitement, the unique joint team format of the league will be aired on major OTT and broadcast platforms worldwide, heightening the anticipation among fans.

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