UAE Women’s Team Claims Three Golds as Adult Division Opens at Jiu-Jitsu World Championship
Strong Start for UAE Women’s Squad
The UAE women’s jiu-jitsu team, backed by Mubadala Investment Company, delivered a standout performance as the Adult division got underway at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship on Thursday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi. Asma Al Hosani, Balqees Al Hashmi and Shamma Al Kalbani each secured gold medals, leading a five-medal haul for the national team on the day.
National Tally Climbs to 57 Medals
Alongside the three golds, the UAE picked up two silver medals, pushing its overall medal count at the championship to 57. The tournament, hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation, runs through August 9 and has drawn more than 1,500 athletes from across the globe.
Composed Performances Across Weight Categories
The women’s competition produced high-quality bouts from the very first rounds, with UAE athletes showing composure against tough international opposition. Their steady progress through the day carried them into the finals of multiple weight categories, extending the team’s run of podium finishes. Asma Al Hosani won gold in the Under-52kg division, Balqees Al Hashmi topped the Under-48kg category, and Shamma Al Kalbani claimed the Under-63kg title. Maryam Al Ali (Under-45kg) and Al Anoud Al Harbi (Under-48kg) rounded out the UAE’s medal haul with silver.
Senior Officials Attend Medal Ceremonies
The day’s action was attended by a number of senior officials, including H.E. Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; H.E. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for People of Determination and Senior Citizens Affairs at the Ministry of Family; H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation; H.E. Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to the UAE; Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation; Kerrith Brown, President of the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation; and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Secretary-General of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union. All took part in the medal ceremonies.
Officials Highlight Sport’s Role in Society
H.E. Hessa Tahlak said hosting the championship reflects the important role sport plays in the UAE, noting that sport helps young people grow up healthy, confident and disciplined, and that championships like this inspire young people by showing the value of commitment, hard work and perseverance while encouraging them to discover their talents. She added that families play a key role in encouraging children to take up sport and supporting them as they grow into confident, responsible individuals, reflecting the UAE’s vision of putting people and families at the heart of development.
H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran said the results demonstrate how far women’s jiu-jitsu has grown in the UAE, with athletes competing confidently against some of the world’s best in a competition of the highest standard, making the Adult division medals especially significant. He added that the federation’s goal extends beyond medals to strengthening the UAE’s position in jiu-jitsu on the world stage.
Athletes Reflect on Their Wins
Shamma Al Kalbani said she faced three tough matches but managed to win all of them, crediting continuous training since the Asian Championship two weeks earlier, and said competing at home in front of fans gave her extra motivation.
Asma Al Hosani said she was very happy to win gold, dedicating the achievement to UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the people of the UAE, and her family and friends, adding that winning on home soil made the achievement even more special.
Men’s Competition Continues Friday
The championship continues Friday with the Adult men’s competition, as the UAE National Team looks to add to its medal tally and continue its pursuit of a seventh consecutive world title.
