The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation has proudly announced the arrival of international delegations for the highly anticipated IMMAF Youth World Championships, set to commence in Abu Dhabi tomorrow. This prestigious event will be held at the renowned Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from August 6–10, under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Event Overview and Participants
Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, this five-day spectacle is set to showcase some of the most outstanding performances and intense competition. With more than 800 male and female athletes from 47 countries participating, the event promises to be a thrilling display of talent and dedication.
The competitions will be held across three age categories:
- Youth C (12-13 years old)
- Youth B (14-15 years old)
- Youth A (16-17 years old)
This diverse age range ensures a broad representation of young athletes, each eager to prove their prowess on an international stage.
Remarks from Federation Officials
His Excellency Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the Federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, expressed his enthusiasm for the event:
“We are delighted to welcome the world’s most promising mixed martial arts champions to Abu Dhabi, a city that has become a role model for hosting major international sports championships. The UAE capital offers advanced infrastructure, world-class organisational expertise, a sports-loving audience, and rich cultural and tourist attractions. This combination creates an integrated experience that fulfils the aspirations of both athletes and fans alike.”
Abdullah Al Zaabi, Head of Events and Activities at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the effort put into organizing this grand event:
“We are focused on presenting a unique event that surpasses the success of previous events. We have doubled our efforts to enhance the logistical and organisational aspects to accommodate the sizable increase in participants we witness yearly. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination for hosting and organising international championships and its position as the world’s capital of combat sports.”
Preparation and Logistics
In preparation for the championship, extensive measures have been taken to ensure the smooth running of the event and the comfort of all participants. These preparations include:
- Logistical Arrangements: Comprehensive transportation plans for athletes, technical, and administrative teams.
- Medical Staff: Ensuring the readiness of medical personnel to handle any potential health concerns.
- Volunteer Teams: Mobilizing volunteers who will play a crucial role throughout the event.
These efforts guarantee that the championship meets the highest international standards, providing a distinguished experience for all involved.
The UAE National Team’s Ambitions
The UAE National Team, comprising 51 male and female athletes, is poised to continue its development and achieve new milestones. In the previous edition, the team secured fourth place in the overall ranking and won 12 medals—three times more than their first participation. The athletes are eager to surpass these achievements in the upcoming championship and further establish the country’s leadership in mixed martial arts.
Jasem Al Hosani, a member of the UAE national team in the Youth A category, shared his determination:
“We eagerly await the start of this championship to demonstrate our skills against the elite athletes worldwide. Over the past few months, we have trained diligently, focusing on skill development, diversifying our methods, and participating in various competitions to test our abilities and gain experience. I am determined to win and dedicate the gold medal to our beloved country.”
International Delegations Ready for Action
International teams have arrived in Abu Dhabi, ready to compete and showcase their talents. Among them is Anton Blank, Vice-President of the National MMA Federation of Ukraine, who commented:
“Our team, consisting of 83 athletes and 37 coaches, is the largest participant in this championship. We have come well-prepared to compete and excel in various categories and weight divisions. We aim to win again, achieve a distinctive accomplishment, and defend our title for the fourth consecutive year.”
M.N. Vikram, coach of the Indian team, highlighted their preparedness:
“This is the fourth time the Indian team is participating in the IMMAF Youth World Championships. This time, our team is stronger and larger than ever. We have four medalists returning to secure their spots on the podium once again. We aim to deliver a very promising performance and improve our rankings. Additionally, we are focused on increasing our medal tally and enhancing our overall standing globally.”
Conclusion
The IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi promises to be an extraordinary event, filled with exceptional talent, fierce competition, and memorable moments. With meticulous preparation, enthusiastic participation from international teams, and the dedicated efforts of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event is set to uphold Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a premier destination for international sports.
For those interested in witnessing the future of mixed martial arts, the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City from August 6-10 is the place to be.
