UAE jiu-jitsu team gears up for Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023 showdown

Athletes depart for Bangkok to participate in the third international championship of nine-event season calendar

Abu Dhabi, May 17, 2023:  The UAE national jiu-jitsu team is poised to make its mark on the international stage once again as it prepares to showcase its skills at the Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023. The team’s participation in the event marks a significant milestone in its journey towards the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship in Mongolia and the Hangzhou Asian Games in China. The team left for Bangkok on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, the team has been rigorously preparing for the Thailand Open Grand Prix, which is scheduled to take place from May 19 to 21, bringing more than 200 athletes from 16 countries together. The Thailand Open Grand Prix is the team’s third international participation out of the nine international events on their calendar for the season, and it will be their second participation at a Grand Prix tournament.

Mubarak Al-Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, is part of the UAE delegation that left for Thailand. He said, “Our aim is to enhance the athletes' readiness, physical condition, and ability to vie for upcoming championship titles including the World Championship in Mongolia in July and the Asian Games in China in October.”

“It is an integral part of our strategy to actively participate in tournaments that are in line with our vision. These tournaments not only enable us to assess the ongoing development of our athletes' skills but also offer valuable experience to the young talents who are joining our national team,” he added.

Ramon Lemos, the head coach of the national team, has emphasized that the athletes are highly motivated to participate in tournaments of a similar nature. “The team is determined to uphold its impressive track record in the World Championship as well as other prestigious tournaments. They are committed to making the most of every opportunity that comes their way through active participation,” he said.

“The team members are currently in high spirits and deeply understand the responsibility they hold in representing their country in Bangkok. The city holds fond memories for them, including the Asian Championship that took place last February,” he added.

The national team delegation comprises 24 male and female fighters, consisting of experienced and emerging athletes. The men’s team include Theyab Alnuaimi (56 kg), Omar Alsuwaidi (56 kg),  Sauod Alhosani (62 Kg), Khaled Alshehhi (62 Kg), Sultan Hassan (69 Kg), Mohammed Alsuwaidi (69 Kg), Sultan Jabr (69 Kg), Fahad Alhammadi (69 Kg), Mahdi Alawlaqi (77 Kg), Faraj Alawlaqi (77 Kg), Saeed Alkubaisi  (85 Kg), Faisal Alketbi (94 Kg), Abdulla Alkubaisi (94 Kg), Ammar Alhosani (94 Kg) And Hazza Farhan (94 Kg)

The women’s team includes Balqis Abdul Karim and Aisha Al Shamsi (45 kg), Hamda Al Shukaili and Sarah Shams Al Hammadi (48 kg), Hessa Al Shamsi and Asma Al Hosani (52 kg), and Shamsa Al Amri (57 kg). Additionally, Tattoo Al-Kalbani and Mahra Mahfouz will compete in the 63 kg weight category.