Al Wahda top opening round of Vice President's Cup Championship

Abu Dhabi - UAE jiu-jitsu season kicks off to a resounding start at the Sharjah Sport Club on Saturday

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu season got off to a highly competitive start with the first round of the Vice President's Cup Championship at the Sharjah Sport Club on Saturday, with Al Wahda taking the early-season edge and leading the way with 316 points after a thrilling day of action.
More than 150 athletes representing 13 clubs from across the UAE took to the mats, cheered on by a passionate crowd, who were treated impressive technical ability from the athletes eager to get their season off to a fast season.
Al Wahda led the way, claiming 5 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze across the three age-group categories: Aspirant (Under 18s), Juniors (Under 21s) and seniors (Over 21s). Al Ain Club sits in second place with a total of 287 points after taking 5 gold and 3 silver and 5 bronze, while Baniyas are third with 256 points, including 5 gold and 2 Silver and 5 Bronze.
"We are honoured to have the season kicking off in Sharjah with such an important tournament in Vice President's Cup Jiu-Jitsu Championship," said Sheikh Tariq bin Faisal Al Qassimi.
Sheikh Tariq praised the role of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) in upgrading and developing the sport of Jiu-Jitsu in the UAE, backed by strong support from the UAE's wise leadership.
Other VIP attendees included Ahmed Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Chairman of Sharjah Self Defence Sports Club; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of UAEJJF; Yousef Al Batran; Engineer Sulaiman Al Hajri, President of Sharjah Sports Club for Individual Games; and Obaid Moftah, member of the Board of Directors of Al Wahda Sports Club. Majid Al Shehhi, who told gold in the 55kg event for Baniyas, said: "I am very happy to be in first place in this important championship. The sport means a lot to me as jiu-jitsu gives athletes an unparalleled experience and patience and taught me the endurance and not give up to the last breath."
Clubmate, Mehdi Khalid Al Awlaki, who told the 66kg gold medal, said his success was down to perseverance and constant training. Awlaki is looking forward to the second round in December, eager to repeat the same achievement to make his way towards winning the title.
"The Vice President's Cup Championship demonstrates the extraordinary support of the sport by our wise leaders promoting its values across the country. This support reflected on the great development of Emirati talents enabling them to achieve at high levels on both the local and international stages," added Al Dhaheri.