UAE jiu-jitsu team's victorious campaign at Asian Games the 'start of a long journey'

The UAE's jiu-jitsu team concluded a highly successful campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, securing eight medals, including a record five golds, two silvers, and one bronze. Key contributors to the team's victory were Balqees Al Hashmi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Ahmed Andeez, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, and Asma Al Hosani. Al Anoud Al Harbi and Omar Al Suwaidi achieved silver, while Amaar Al Hosani claimed bronze.

This triumphant run follows previous successes at the 2018 Jakarta Games and the 2023 Hangzhou Games, where the UAE won two and four gold medals, respectively, before topping the podium at Aichi-Nagoya. Khaled Al Shehhi, who secured his second consecutive gold, expressed pride in his achievement, dedicating it to UAE's leadership, family, coach, and national teammates. He emphasized that this medal marked the beginning of a long journey of hard work and commitment.

Al Harbi, who won silver in her debut at the Asian Games, noted the UAE's growing prominence in the sport. She stated that the all-Emirati final highlighted the progress made by jiu-jitsu athletes within the country and the potential for future success on the international stage. Al Harbi expressed her determination to continue striving for gold in future competitions.

The final day of the competition was attended by the UAE ambassador to Japan, Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, a UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation official, and other representatives. Al Dhaheri praised the team's successful campaign, attributing their achievements to careful planning, consistent effort, and the contributions of athletes, coaches, and administrative staff.