The United Arab Emirates’ under-21 jiu-jitsu national team delivered a powerful performance at the 2025 Jiu-Jitsu World Youth Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, securing a total of seven medals and reinforcing the country’s position as a global leader in the sport. The competition, held from November 8 to 14, brought together elite youth athletes from around the world, with the UAE’s rising stars standing out for their technique, determination, and strategic excellence.
The UAE’s medal haul included two gold, three silver, and two bronze medals, reflecting the depth of talent within the nation’s youth system. Leading the team’s success were Amaar Al Hosani, who claimed gold in the under-94kg category, and Rashed Al Shehhi, who secured the top podium spot in the 56kg division. Both athletes showcased dominant performances throughout their matches, using a mix of technical precision and tactical intelligence that impressed coaches and spectators alike.
The silver medalists Fahad Al Hammadi (77kg), Rashid Al Himany (over-94kg), and Mohamed Al Shehhi (56kg)—were praised for their resilience and competitive spirit. Many of their matches were described as extremely close, with narrow point differentials highlighting the high level of competition in this year’s championship. Their podium finishes reinforced the UAE team’s consistency across multiple weight categories.
Rounding off the medal tally were Faisal Al Wahedi in the 69kg category and Abdulrahman Mohammed in the 62kg division, both earning bronze medals after impressive runs in their respective brackets. Their victories added crucial momentum to the team’s overall performance and showcased the depth of the UAE’s talent pool.
Officials from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF) expressed pride in the results, describing the achievements as a reflection of the country’s long-term investment in youth development. For more than a decade, the UAE has been integrating jiu-jitsu into school programmes, expanding training academies, and nurturing young athletes through structured pathways that lead to elite competition.
Mubarak Al-Menhali, Director of the Technical Department at the UAEJJF, noted that the federation’s technical strategy is paying off. He highlighted the importance of consistent talent identification, year-round training camps, and exposure to international tournaments in building mental and physical toughness among young athletes.
The athletes, too, expressed gratitude for the support system around them. Gold medalist Rashed Al Shehhi said the victory was the result of years of training and guidance from coaches who helped shape not only his skills on the mat but also his discipline and confidence off it. Many young athletes in the squad began their jiu-jitsu journey through school programmes an approach that has become a defining part of the UAE’s sporting identity.
Looking ahead, the UAE’s U-21 team aims to build on this success as they prepare for future continental and global championships. Their performance in Thailand not only boosts the nation’s medal count but also serves as a source of inspiration for younger athletes entering the sport.
With seven more world-level medals added to its record, the UAE continues to strengthen its legacy as one of the world’s most successful nations in jiu-jitsu driven by grassroots development, world-class coaching, and a vision to stay at the forefront of international competition.
