Baniyas Crowned Adult Champions at Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup in Dubai

The two-day Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup concluded on Sunday night at Shabab Al-Ahli Club in Dubai, with Baniyas claiming the top honor in the adult division after an intense weekend of competition.

The annual tournament, which drew clubs and academies from across the UAE, featured finals across multiple categories, including under-14, under-16, under-18, and adult divisions. The event once again underscored the growing popularity of jiu-jitsu in the Emirates and highlighted the depth of young talent emerging in the sport.

Baniyas athlete Sultan Mohamed Al-Kaabi expressed his delight after leading his team to victory in the adult category. “Winning this title is a joy beyond words,” he said. “We spent a long time preparing and training for this important championship. The challenge was tough as we faced many strong opponents, but in the end, the victory was ours.”

In the youth divisions, Sharjah Self-Defence Club secured the under-14 crown, Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club triumphed in the under-16 category, and Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club captured the under-18 title.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, congratulated the winners and thanked Shabab Al-Ahli for hosting the event. “The Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup is a major fixture in our annual sports calendar, with both technical and community significance,” he said. “This edition featured outstanding competition that showcased the efforts of clubs and academies, while also playing a vital role in discovering and developing young talent across age groups.”

Coaches and athletes alike reflected on the importance of the championship in building the sport’s foundation. Zayed Al-Kaabi, head coach of Al-Ain Jiu-Jitsu Club, praised his team’s performance after winning the under-16 division. “We succeeded in winning the under-16 title today, along with second place in both the under-14 and under-18 categories,” he noted. “We are pleased with these results and look forward to continuing the club’s journey of achievements and securing more titles to strengthen our standing locally.”

For Al-Jazira, victory in the under-18 category capped a successful campaign. Athlete Harib Al-Hammadi described the win as a milestone for his team. “Winning the under-18 title is a proud moment for me and my teammates. Our hard work and preparations paid off, and this victory motivates us to push for even more success in the upcoming championships.”

The Vice President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup remains a cornerstone in the UAE’s sporting calendar, reflecting the country’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent while further establishing jiu-jitsu as a leading discipline on the national stage.