Al Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club secured overall honours at the Hafeet Sport Challenge, finishing top of the standings in a closely contested tournament that drew leading clubs from across the country. Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club placed second, while Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club completed the podium after two days of intense competition marked by disciplined technique and tactical maturity.The event, staged in Al Ain under the banner of the Hafeet Sport Challenge, brought together youth and senior athletes across multiple weight divisions and belt categories. Organisers said participation levels reflected the continued expansion of competitive jiu-jitsu within the UAE, a sport that has grown steadily over the past decade through structured academies, school programmes and club-based development systems.
Al Ain’s triumph was built on consistent podium finishes across age groups, with its athletes accumulating points through gold and silver medal performances in both gi and no-gi categories. Coaches attributed the result to long-term investment in grassroots training and rigorous preparation leading up to the tournament. The club’s technical staff highlighted a focus on transition drills, positional control and match management as decisive factors in tight bouts.
Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, which has established itself as a regular contender in domestic competitions, delivered a strong showing particularly in the under-18 divisions. Its athletes demonstrated agility and effective submission defence, narrowing the gap in the overall standings until the closing stages of the event. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club also impressed, with several of its fighters advancing through elimination rounds against higher-seeded opponents.
Jiu-jitsu holds a distinctive place in the UAE’s sporting structure, supported by a federation framework that has prioritised talent identification and international competitiveness. The country hosts global tournaments and has produced athletes who have medalled at world championships, reinforcing its status as a hub for the discipline. Domestic competitions such as the Hafeet Sport Challenge serve as platforms for emerging competitors to gain ranking points and exposure.
Officials overseeing the tournament noted that club rivalries have intensified as performance standards rise. Data from recent national circuits indicate increased participation among younger age brackets, particularly in the under-14 and cadet categories. Coaches say this pipeline is critical for sustaining elite-level results in continental and world events.
Al Ain’s head coach described the victory as a collective achievement shaped by athlete commitment and structured programming. He pointed to a blend of experienced competitors and promising newcomers who executed match plans with composure. According to team staff, emphasis on strength conditioning and injury prevention played a role in maintaining consistency across multiple bouts.
The Hafeet Sport Challenge forms part of a broader calendar of sporting activities in Al Ain, aimed at promoting physical fitness and community engagement. Municipal authorities have positioned such events as catalysts for youth participation and as showcases for club-based excellence. Spectator turnout at the jiu-jitsu segment reflected sustained public interest, with families and fellow athletes filling the venue to watch final matches.
Analysts observe that competition between Al Ain, Sharjah and Al Jazira mirrors a wider shift towards decentralised sporting success, where multiple clubs vie for dominance rather than a single entity maintaining prolonged supremacy. Over the past few seasons, medal tables have shown narrower margins separating top teams, underscoring the depth of talent across the federation.
Technical observers at the event highlighted evolving tactical patterns, including a greater reliance on guard retention strategies and calculated submission attempts rather than high-risk manoeuvres. Referees reported minimal infractions, attributing this to improved athlete education and clearer regulatory standards implemented in national tournaments.
For Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club, the runner-up finish reinforced its reputation as a consistent challenger. Team officials indicated that targeted adjustments in training cycles would be introduced before the next major domestic meet. Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club, meanwhile, signalled confidence in its youth cohort, several of whom advanced to finals despite limited senior-level exposure.
The broader sporting ecosystem continues to benefit from institutional backing and partnerships that have elevated jiu-jitsu’s profile in schools and universities. Competitive pathways now extend from introductory classes to elite championships, supported by coaching certifications and athlete welfare programmes.
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UAE