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ABU DHABI: Some of the planet’s top grapplers will compete at the 15th Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship from Nov. 1 to 10 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City.

The event will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation has announced that a record 7,000 male and female athletes from 127 countries will participate, including several champions. Competitors will vie for a total prize purse of almost $817,000.

“Today, we celebrate 15 years of success and excellence that have significantly elevated the global jiu-jitsu landscape,” said Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and chairman of the organizing committee.

“We are excited to extend a warm welcome to the international jiu-jitsu community in the UAE and the world’s jiu-jitsu capital, Abu Dhabi. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone enjoys the finest possible experience, from their arrival in the capital to their departure after the tournament’s conclusion.”

Al-Dhaheri added: “We also unite in pride for the remarkable accomplishments of UAE athletes in numerous international championships held in Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and China. We take pride in the triumphs of our champions, in whom we placed our trust, and who rose to the challenge.

“These achievements stand as a testament to the fact that the seeds of success sown by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, have flourished, borne fruit, and blossomed worldwide. Without his highness’ unwavering support, the sport of jiu-jitsu would not have made such rapid advancements on the global stage.”

Saood Abdulaziz Al-Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to consolidate its position as the world capital of jiu-jitsu by hosting the largest international championships and attracting elite sports stars from all over the world.”

“The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi deeply comprehends the immense significance and outcomes of hosting an event as grand as the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, particularly in relation to its positive influence on society.

“Schools in the UAE have wholeheartedly embraced jiu-jitsu for over 15 years, with the goal of instilling a comprehensive set of moral and athletic values in an entire generation. These values include self-confidence, humility, respect, commitment and goalsetting, while simultaneously playing a vital role in shaping resilient and competent generations that prioritize health and physical fitness.”

Aref Al-Awani, secretary-general of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said: “The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship is a significant extension of the plans and programs designed to attract major international sporting events to the capital.

“We extend our congratulations to the UAE National Team for their remarkable achievements in recent championships, particularly the Asian Games. We also commend the efforts of the UAEJJF, which, since its inception, has been dedicated to advancing and popularizing the sport and expanding its practitioner base. We are fully committed to ensuring the success of this edition.”

Fahad Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE and Asian jiu-jitsu federations, said: “The 15th edition of the championship witnessed a record-breaking level of participation, with an unprecedented number of players from across the globe, representing a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year.

“This tournament has reached its highest participant count since its establishment in 2009, with 7,000 athletes hailing from 127 countries all set to participate. To accommodate this remarkable turnout, the tournament’s duration has been extended to span over 10 days. Additionally, a full day has been allocated for amateur-category competitions.”