UAE make bright start at Jiu-Jitsu World Championship

The UAE won two golds, two silvers and two bronze medals on the opening day of the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena on Wednesday.

Faisal Al Ketbi was magnanimous in his gold medal match against Abdullah Al Kubaisi in an all-Emirati men’s 94kg final, while Omar Al Suwaidi grabbed the second gold with victory over teammate Theyab Al Nuaimi by submission in another all-home affair in the 56kg final.

Women’s jiu-jitsu in UAE ready to shine at 2023 Asian Games and beyond, says coach

Joining them in the medals table were Shamma Al Kalbani (63kg) and Hamdah Al Shkeili (45kg) with bronze in the female division.

Al Ketbi was more than happy to take it easy against an Emirati opponent after reaching the final.

“There is no better way to motivate youngsters,” Al Ketbi, the most decorated Emirati jiu-jitsu fighter and the national team captain, told The National.

“Abdullah did all the hard work to reach the final and he deserves to take the gold home. He came through tough foreign opponents. For me, it’s like passing the flag to the next generation and I’m really glad to get these opportunities.”

Al Kubaisi, 22, won his first medal in four attempts at the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds and was delighted with his team captain’s gesture.

“I was drained after four fights,” he said. “Then I meet our big brother Faisal, who was gracious. This medal is very special for me. Now I’ll be preparing for the World Pro.”

The 14th edition of the week-long Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship kicks off soon after the Jiu-Jitsu Worlds from November 13.

Al Suwaidi, 19, also won a Jiu-Jitsu Worlds medal for the first time after a first round exit in his first attempt last year.

“I was so disappointed and was determined to win this time,” he said. “I’m also very happy my teammate Theyab reached the final. It was hard work but a rewarding day for both of us.

“We are competing against men and it surely was a grand effort. All the fights were hard and you can expect that at this level. Now we both can go into the World Pro with confidence.”

It was also the first World Championship medals for Al Shkeili and Al Kalbani; the latter was first Emirati to win a medal at the World Games - in Birmingham.

“I’m only 19, so I did pretty good against the more experienced women in this competition,” Al Kalbani, 19, said.

“Last year I didn’t reach the medal round but a lot of hard work went in from that time and now. It’s a new experience when you compete in adult events. But if you want to win at the highest level, this is the best way forward.”

Al Kalbani lost to the eventual winner Janine Mutton of Canada, who overcame German Naomi Stallar in a thrilling final.

Canada finished the day with two golds and two bronze, followed by Germany (1g, 1s and 1b), and Portugal (1g and 1b).

Asia Cup Qualifier

Venue: Kuala Lumpur

Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September

Fixtures:

Wed Aug 29: Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore

Thu Aug 30: UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman

Sat Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal

Sun Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore

Tue Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong

Thu Sep 6: Final

Asia Cup

Venue: Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Schedule: Sep 15-28

Teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, plus the winner of the Qualifier

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?

Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

Tearful appearance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.

Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.

She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.

A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.

On Women's Day

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Samar Elmnhrawy: How companies in the Middle East can catch up on gender equality

Justin Thomas: Challenge the notion that 'men are from Mars, women are from Venus'

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