Today's Edition
AL AIN (ALETIHAD)
Saif Alblooshi clinched the first gold medal for UAE at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the Youth B (14–15 years) 40-kilogramme final.
Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, earning strong support from the home crowd. This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold in the tournament under the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division.
Adding to the UAE's medal tally, Ghala Al Hammadi secured a silver medal in the Youth B women's 44 kg category. With these results, the UAE's total medal count now stands at 11: one gold, two silver, and eight bronze.
The event, hosted in Al Ain for the first time and running until July 27, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The third day of the championship marked the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes with similar skill levels compete across multiple weight classes.
In attendance were Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and the UAE Esports Federation, Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, and Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, along with other dignitaries.
Mohammed Al Hosani, MMA committee member at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, said: “We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes. This year’s championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world.”
