Sixth Version of IMMAF Youth World Championships Will get Underway in Al Ain

Below the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Govt Council, the sixth version of the IMMAF Youth World Championships formally acquired underway as we speak within the Al Ain Area, Abu Dhabi. The occasion, held within the metropolis for the primary time, is going down at ADNEC Centre Al Ain and includes a document participation of greater than 1,000 female and male athletes representing 60 international locations.

Organised by the Worldwide Combined Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Combined Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs till July 27. The opening day featured high-intensity bouts and a vibrant ambiance, with robust attendance from spectators and the participation of rising expertise from throughout the globe.

For the primary time because the championship’s inception, competitions within the Youth D class, for athletes aged 10 to 11, had been held. This milestone displays the organisers’ dedication to broadening participation and supporting the event of younger athletes from an early age.

The UAE Nationwide Crew made a formidable begin on the opening day. Their efficiency highlighted their robust technical preparation and dedication to realize additional success all through the week.

Kerrith Brown, President of IMMAF, expressed delight within the ongoing partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Combined Martial Arts Federation. He famous that this version is the biggest because the championship started in 2019 and serves as a really perfect platform for cultural change and for selling optimistic values amongst youth worldwide.

He added that the UAE has change into a number one mannequin for internet hosting worldwide sporting occasions, supported by its formidable imaginative and prescient, world-class infrastructure and dedication to empowering youth within the discipline of sports activities.

His Excellency Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Combined Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, stated: “Internet hosting the championship within the Al Ain Area for the primary time displays the worldwide sporting group’s confidence within the UAE’s organisational capabilities. It additionally highlights the nation’s efforts in enhancing its sports activities infrastructure and increasing its internet hosting map to cowl all emirates.

“The inclusion of the Youth D class this yr introduces a brand new dimension to the competitors and aligns with a forward-thinking imaginative and prescient to assist and nurture expertise from a younger age. This contributes to creating future champions, instilling a optimistic aggressive spirit early on, and making ready a technology with the talents and mindset wanted to characterize the UAE on the worldwide stage.

“We sincerely thank the clever management of the UAE, and we’re deeply grateful for the limitless assist of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and the beneficiant patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for this international occasion. This assist serves as a robust motivator for the youthful technology to proceed striving for excellence and elevating Emirati sport to better heights,” Al Dhaheri added.

Kyle Wilson, coach of the USA nationwide crew, stated, “We’re right here with round 30 athletes. This isn’t our first time within the UAE, as we’ve competed earlier than in a championship held in Dubai. The extent of organisation at this occasion is phenomenal. Every little thing runs easily and meets the best requirements, permitting athletes and coaches to focus absolutely on the matches. We’ve educated arduous within the lead-up and had a very good efficiency as we speak. We’re trying ahead to tomorrow’s bouts.”

Jeremiah Castro, an athlete from Crew USA, added, “I actually take pleasure in blended martial arts and I’m completely happy to have the possibility to be right here and compete in Al Ain. I hope to win our nationwide championship again dwelling and return subsequent yr. The competitors is hard with so many athletes concerned, which helps us acquire extra expertise. I additionally actually appreciated the leisure and actions on the sports activities village. The ambiance right here is superb.”