Sports
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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Tributes have poured in after the son of former Chelsea star Eddie Newton was found dead alongside his friend following a hike in the UAE, where temperatures soared to 50C.
Cassius Newton, 34, and his friend Aran Martinson, 33, were found by rescuers on July 18 after setting out on a hike in the mountainous Wadi Naqab region.
The pair, from Dorset and Essex respectively, both lived and worked in the UAE. Their bodies were discovered between 3km and 4km from their vehicle.
According to a report, Chelmsford area coroner Michelle Brown said their provisional causes of death included cardiac and respiratory arrest.
Cassius, a non-league footballer, was the son of former Chelsea midfielder and coach Eddie Newton, who spent more than a decade with the club.
His wife was in the UK when she became concerned after Cassius failed to contact her following the hike and reported him missing.
The two men had been living at a luxury resort in Ras Al Khaimah.
Tributes after desert tragedy
Tributes poured in after the deaths.
Aran’s wife described him as “incredibly driven, hardworking and ambitious”, saying he had recently begun a new chapter in his career and was excited about the future.
Blackfield & Langley Football Club paid tribute to their former player, saying: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the passing of former player Cassius Newton; our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and friends during this difficult time.”
National League club Eastleigh, where Cassius had previously played, said it was “deeply saddened” by his death.
Chelsea connection
Cassius’ father Eddie Newton played for Chelsea from 1990 to 2001 and famously scored in the club’s 1997 FA Cup final victory.
The former midfielder also represented Cardiff City, Birmingham City, Oxford United and Barnet.
After retiring as a player, Newton moved into coaching, working as assistant manager at MK Dons and West Brom before returning to Chelsea.
He later served as assistant manager under Roberto Di Matteo and Rafael Benítez.
(With inputs from BBC, The Sun)
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