‘My country deserves this’: UAE Asian Games champions Al Hosani and Al Shehhi on gold and World Pro dreams

Asma Al Hosani, a 23-year-old jiu-jitsu champion from the United Arab Emirates, was overcome with emotion upon placing the UAE flag around her neck after successfully defending her gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan. This marked her second consecutive gold medal in the -52kg category, the first time an Emirati woman had achieved this feat at the Games.

The UAE dominated the jiu-jitsu competitions at the Asian Games, securing eight medals, the highest number of any participating nation. Al Hosani attributed the country's success to the support it provides its athletes, from top-tier coaches and state-of-the-art training centers to the diverse, inclusive environment fostered by the sport itself, which brings together people of various ages, genders, and nationalities.

Al Hosani's journey into jiu-jitsu began during her school years, as the sport was introduced as part of the public school curriculum under the guidance of President Sheikh Mohamed. Initially, the Emirati youth were more accustomed to basketball and football, but Al Hosani found the martial art to be an invigorating change. Overcoming the initial challenge of adapting to a sport that required a hijab, Al Hosani discovered that jiu-jitsu taught her invaluable lessons in personal growth, such as expanding her social circle and developing a more open-minded perspective.

Al Hosani's dedication to jiu-jitsu led her to achieve her World Pro dream, becoming the first Emirati woman to reach the finals in both the brown and black belt categories at the event in Abu Dhabi. At the Asian Games, she not only defended her title but also set a high standard for herself, knowing that there would be no second chances.

With her sights set on future victories, Al Hosani remains committed to bringing more gold medals to her country and continuing to grow as an athlete and a role model for Emiratis across the nation.