UAE Jiu-Jitsu Stars Shine: Three Medals on Day Two at World Games Chengdu 2025

CHENGDU – It was a proud day for the UAE as its jiu-jitsu athletes delivered an outstanding performance on day two of the World Games Chengdu 2025. The national team brought home three medals — one gold and two silvers — showing their skill, determination, and fighting spirit on the global stage.

Saeed Al-Kubaisi claimed the gold medal in the under-85 kg ne-waza category after a series of intense matches against tough opponents from Portugal, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia. His dominant display earned him the top podium spot and widespread praise. Mehdi Al-Awlaki added to the tally with a silver in the under-77 kg division, while Mohammed Al-Suwaidi secured another silver in the under-69 kg category.

The World Games in Chengdu, running from August 7 to 17, features nearly 5,000 athletes from 118 countries competing across 34 sports. Many of these sports are not part of the Olympic programme, which makes the event a unique and exciting challenge for competitors.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, expressed his pride in the team’s performance. “Jiu-jitsu in the UAE has proven its excellence and ability to succeed at every opportunity. Today’s result is even more significant given the presence of top-ranked competitors from around the world. This success is the result of the federation’s ongoing efforts and initiatives to prepare our athletes to perform at the highest level,” he said.

Gold medalist Saeed Al-Kubaisi reflected on his victory with confidence and gratitude. “I entered the championship knowing I could win gold. It’s the natural result of the hard work and intensive training we’ve put in over recent months. I want to thank the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation for the support they have given us, helping us make our mark at a global event of this scale.”

The UAE’s jiu-jitsu journey at the World Games has been building for years. In 2017, at the World Games in Wroclaw, Poland, the team earned one gold and one silver. In 2022, in Birmingham, USA, they raised the bar, winning two golds, one silver, and two bronze medals. This year’s performance so far is a continuation of that upward trajectory.

The squad competing in Chengdu includes not only the male medalists — Al-Kubaisi, Al-Awlaki, and Al-Suwaidi — but also a strong female team competing in the open-weight category: Asma Al-Hosani, Shamsa Al-Amri, and Shamma Al-Kalbani. Their participation highlights the depth and diversity of talent in the UAE jiu-jitsu programme.

Jiu-jitsu competitions at the World Games this year are being held at the Jianyang Cultural and Sports Centre Gymnasium from August 10 to 12. The schedule features 19 events, including newly introduced para-sport categories for athletes with mental, physical, and visual impairments — making it the most inclusive edition yet.

The three medals on day two place the UAE in a strong position for further success. With experienced champions and emerging stars in both the men’s and women’s divisions, the team’s prospects for the remainder of the Games are bright.

For the UAE, these victories are more than just sporting achievements — they are a statement of ambition and excellence. The athletes’ performances in Chengdu are inspiring a new generation back home, proving that with discipline, preparation, and belief, global glory is within reach.