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Jeddah - Yasmine El Tohamy - RIYADH: Day seven of the action-packed Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games proved once again why it’s hailed as the pinnacle of elite combat and martial sports globally. Fans witnessed a stunning display of skill, discipline, and passion as athletes competed in fencing, ju-jitsu, kickboxing and wrestling.

Day two of fencing saw four events within its epee team and individual foil categories. Wrestling saw its belt-wrestling style begin, with ten medals being awarded. Ju-jitsu concluded its final day of events, with five final medals awarded in its mixed duo and ne-waza paralympic divisions.

Paralympic ju-jitsu was also an integral feature, further elevating the occasion and underlining the event’s commitment to inclusivity. In a gesture to ensure that every athlete, regardless of their discipline, receives due recognition, all medals secured in the para divisions will be tallied toward the final medal count of the athlete’s home country. This decision ensures parity and celebrates the spirit of unity on the global stage.

A total of 40 medals have been awarded since the Riyadh 2023 World Combat Games began on October 20th. Ukraine stands atop the podium leading the gold medal count with 16, with Uzbekistan standing in second with 8. Saudi Arabia follows closely behind with seven golds.

Fencing
Today saw fencing’s unique epee and foil disciplines. Epee focuses on deliberate thrusts targeting the entire body, whereas foil emphasizes precision strikes above the waist. Enthusiasts were treated to captivating matches, observing the contrasting scoring rules: epee’s double touches and foil’s right of way conventions.

The women’s foil individual category saw Israa Al Siyabi of Oman take the gold. In the women’s epee team division, UAE took gold, against Saudi Arabia, with a final score of 45-40. Bronze was awarded to Saudi Arabia with a final score of 43-21.

In the men’s epee team event, Saudi Arabia clinched the gold medal, defeating the UAE with a score of 23-16. In the men’s foil individual category, Faris Alblooshi from the UAE took first, securing the top spot with a 15-12 win over Abdulkarim Saad from Brunei.

Wrestling
Wrestling, one of the oldest and most universal forms of combat, saw its final five disciplines come to an end today. Using a blend of strength, technique, and strategy, day seven of the games featured belt-wrestling, an intense grappling art with two predominant styles: alysh and oazak. Alysh focuses on using a belt to throw or pin opponents, while oazak wrestlers, in leather belts and trousers, aim to unbalance or ground their adversaries.

The gold medalists of the women’s belt-wrestling alysh style included 55 kg category winner Elzada Momunzhanova of Kyrgyzstan. The 65 kg category saw Maftunbonu Mahmudova of Uzbekistan take the win.
In the belt-wrestling oazak style, Begai Beishenaaly Kyzy of Kyrgyzstan secured the gold in the 60 kg division, while Roza Nyssantaikyz of Kazakhstan took the 70 kg win.

In the men’s belt-wrestling alysh style, Marlen Abdurasulov of Kyrgyzstan took gold in the 70 kg category, while Uzbekistan’s Khusan Abdukhakimov secured first in the 80 kg division. Azizkhan Musabek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan took the win for the 90 kg category.

The gold in the 65 kg men’s belt-wrestling oazak style weight division was awarded to Manucher Shirinov of Uzbekistan. The 75 kg victor was Zhumazhan Kozhambekov of Kazakhstan while first in the 85 kg division went to Madi Amangeldi of Kazakhstan.

Ju-jitsu
The spotlight shone on the ju-jitsu’s mixed duo finals and its ne-waza paralympic divisions today. Embodying tradition, technique, and unparalleled tenacity, athletes from around the globe took to the mat, exemplifying the enduring spirit of this ancient discipline and the limitless potential of determination.

Winners of the ju-jitsu mixed duos were W Netpong and C Kitpongsri of Thailand.

The winner of the female -60 kg para ne-waza competition was Stephanie Alexandra Biscan of Germany.

The -73 kg para ne-waza men’s winner was Bat Bot Erdenbaatar with a final score of 18-0, while Brazil’s Mario Silva secured the -85 kg para ne-waza win. The –84 kg para ne-waza gold medalist was Mark David Tromp of Australia.

Kickboxing
Day two of kickboxing’s three-day event saw athletes showcasing their skills in two distinct disciplines: low kick and point fighting. In low kick, competitors aim for powerful strikes to their opponent’s legs, while point fighting focuses on quick, controlled hits to score points. Today marked the start of the athlete’s qualifying rounds, with the semifinals kicking off tomorrow.