The UAE dominated the World Jiu- Jitsu Children’s Cup with a rich haul of 25 gold, 31 silver and 65 bronze medals as the event came to a close on Wednesday.

The hosts made a clean sweep in the boys’ categories including in the (white belt) 62.5kg category and the 50.5kg, won by Hadaf Jarman Alhababi and Saif Ahmed Hadrami respectively.

The UAE also dominated in the girls’ category, with May Mohammed Almazrouei and Shma Ahmed Almansoori triumphing in the (yellow- orange belt) +66kg and whitegrey 62.5kg categories respectively.

The day saw hundreds of youngsters showcasing their skills and talent in front of a full crowd at the newly opened First Gulf Bank Arena (FGB Arena) at Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking after the action, Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, praised all the participants in the competition.

He said: “Today has been an incredible precursor to a competition that has become so well known in the Jiu-Jitsu community, both here and abroad.

“The fights between this generation of Jiu-Jitsu fighters has been tremendous to watch and encouraging to all who have witnessed their intensity and courage in competing at this international level. With some spellbinding performances throughout the day, both from the boys and the girls, I look forward to seeing these fighters evolve over the years.”

Today, the men’s and women’s categories will get under way for what will be the sixth edition of the popular tournament. More than 2,500 will compete over the next three days.