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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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T20 World Cup 2026: The consequences Pakistan could face for boycotting the India match 

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The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has been thrown into uncertainty after the Pakistan government announced that its national cricket team will boycott its league-stage match against India, scheduled for February 15 in Colombo.

The announcement was made on Sunday via an official government post on X, granting approval for Pakistan to participate in the tournament but explicitly instructing the team not to take the field against India. No reason was cited for the decision.

ICC Issues Strong Warning

The International Cricket Council (ICC) reacted sharply, warning that selective participation threatens the integrity of global tournaments and could have long-term consequences for Pakistan cricket.

In a statement, the ICC said it “expects the PCB to explore a mutually acceptable resolution that protects the interests of all stakeholders,” while stressing that the decision could harm the global cricket ecosystem.

“Selective participation is difficult to reconcile with the fundamental premise of a global sporting event where all qualified teams are expected to compete on equal terms,” the ICC said, adding that it is still awaiting formal communication from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

An important fixture

The India–Pakistan fixture is the most commercially valuable match of ICC tournaments, accounting for a significant share of global broadcasting and sponsorship revenue. If the match is forfeited:

  • Pakistan will lose two group-stage points
  • Its net run rate will be negatively impacted
  • Broadcasters and sponsors could seek compensation

Under ICC Playing Conditions, India must be present at the venue at the time of the toss for the match to be officially forfeited in their favour.

PCB Revenue and PSL at Risk

Despite financial struggles, the PCB currently receives $34.5 million annually from the ICC,  the fourth-highest share among member boards, largely driven by India–Pakistan matches.

If compensation is deducted from this revenue, the PCB could lose up to 70–80% of its annual ICC earnings. The ICC is also reportedly considering denying No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for overseas players seeking to participate in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

There is further concern that major cricket boards such as England and Australia could reconsider bilateral series with Pakistan.

Background to the Crisis

Tensions escalated after the ICC replaced Bangladesh with Scotland in the tournament following Bangladesh’s refusal to play matches in India due to security concerns. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi accused the ICC of double standards and warned that Pakistan’s participation would ultimately depend on government approval.

Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Namibia and the Netherlands, with matches scheduled in Sri Lanka, a co-host of the tournament with India. Pakistan are due to play:

  • Netherlands on February 7
  • USA on February 10
  • Namibia on February 18

The India match now remains in serious doubt.

What Happens Next

The ICC has reiterated that its priority is the successful delivery of the T20 World Cup and has urged the PCB to consider the broader impact on fans, players and the future of Pakistan cricket.

With millions of viewers worldwide and enormous commercial stakes involved, the cricketing world is watching closely as the situation continues to unfold.

– Inputs from ESPN, ICC





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T20 World Cup 2026: STARTRADER named official partner of UAE national cricket team 

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The UAE Men’s National Cricket Team is heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a major boost, as STARTRADER has been announced as its Official Partner for the global tournament.

The renewed partnership means STARTRADER’s branding will feature on the official UAE team jerseys throughout the World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka.

The agreement was signed in Dubai on Wednesday, January 14, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad, ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas, STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten, and UAE Men’s Captain Muhammad Waseem.

STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten said the collaboration builds on the company’s earlier sponsorship of the UAE team during the Asia Cup, but with an even stronger commitment this time around.

“We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust and growth can achieve,” Karsten said.

“Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”

He added that the partnership mirrors STARTRADER’s core values, where trust in strategy and teamwork plays a vital role in achieving sustainable growth, whether on the pitch or in global markets.

STARTRADER is regulated by five international authorities, including the SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, reinforcing its focus on transparency, trust and long-term growth for its clients.

Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as a relationship that goes beyond sport.

“We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said. 

“This partnership reflects shared values of discipline, focus and resilience, and aligns perfectly with our vision as the UAE team continues to perform on the world stage.”


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Dubai named permanent opening city for new global beach volleyball series

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Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.

The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.

A new model for global sport

Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.

The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.

Ten global destinations

The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.

Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.


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