Young Emirati jiu-jitsu star Omar Al Fadhli believes mental preparation will be the biggest challenge for the national team when they return to action later this year in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown.
The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) resumed training with a closed door high performance camp at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Abu Dhabi last month following three months of inactivity following the coronavirus pandemic.
The camp was partly to prepare for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship (World Pro) rescheduled for November.
Al Fadhli said getting back into shape physically should not be an issue for high-performance athletes, but overcoming the psychological toll of the coronavirus will "test us mentally" and require even more dedication.
He said: “Physically you can just resume your training and get into good shape in three months because that is science. But fighters have to be mentally stronger and believe in themselves.
“It is not an ideal situation that we are in but when fighters come back they need to have a stronger mindset and determination.
“They have to work extra hard to regain their levels. When I come back, I am going to double or triple my efforts. I am going to give 200 per cent.
“Mental strength is key, physical levels can be regained, but your determination and focus will need to be at its strongest.”
Al Fadhli, 19, enjoyed his best season in 2019, winning gold medals in the youth and adult categories at the Jiu-Jitsu International Union's (JJIF) World Championship and the World Pro in Abu Dhabi. He rounded his year off in style with victory at the Munich Open in Germany.
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Omar Al Fahdli wins double gold at JJIF Worlds
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His feats were even more impressive considering the teenager had to overcome a broken arm.
“For me, 2020 is almost over but 2019 was one of the best years of my life,” he said.
“I learnt a lot about myself. I suffered a broken arm and the injury taught me a lot and tested my maturity, and taught me never to give up.
“Physically, I was virtually destroyed after the injury. I had to work on my mental strength and my return to competition proved successful.”
Al Fadhli's success at the JJIF Worlds was the second year in succession he won gold medals at both youth and adult level. “A personal milestone for me,” he said.
“I have kind of put my legacy there on the Worlds. It was hard for me, the pressure to keep up my performances in both categories but glad to accomplish that feat.
“When I was young, it was a tough thing to imagine winning a medal at even one of those events. Maybe I thought I could win the youth but the seniors was always something that I thought was very hard to achieve.
“But I did it, thank god, with all that hard work. I am confident that I have what it takes to repeat the double for a third year in a row if provided with the opportunity.”
Gulf Men's League final
Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
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'THE WORST THING YOU CAN EAT'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
'Top Gun: Maverick'
Rating: 4/5
Directed by: Joseph Kosinski
Starring: Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Connelly, Jon Hamm, Miles Teller, Glen Powell, Ed Harris
THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
match info
Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')
Sheffield United 0
match info
Southampton 0
Arsenal 2 (Nketiah 20', Willock 87')
Red card: Jack Stephens (Southampton)
Man of the match: Rob Holding (Arsenal)
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
BABYLON
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RESULTS
Welterweight
Tohir Zhuraev (TJK) beat Mostafa Radi (PAL)
(Unanimous points decision)
Catchweight 75kg
Anas Siraj Mounir (MAR) beat Leandro Martins (BRA)
(Second round knockout)
Flyweight (female)
Manon Fiorot (FRA) beat Corinne Laframboise (CAN)
(RSC in third round)
Featherweight
Bogdan Kirilenko (UZB) beat Ahmed Al Darmaki
(Disqualification)
Lightweight
Izzedine Al Derabani (JOR) beat Rey Nacionales (PHI)
(Unanimous points)
Featherweight
Yousef Al Housani (UAE) beat Mohamed Fargan (IND)
(TKO first round)
Catchweight 69kg
Jung Han-gook (KOR) beat Max Lima (BRA)
(First round submission by foot-lock)
Catchweight 71kg
Usman Nurmogamedov (RUS) beat Jerry Kvarnstrom (FIN)
(TKO round 1).
Featherweight title (5 rounds)
Lee Do-gyeom (KOR) v Alexandru Chitoran (ROU)
(TKO round 1).
Lightweight title (5 rounds)
Bruno Machado (BRA) beat Mike Santiago (USA)
(RSC round 2).
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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