Al-Ketbi, Al-Kalbani strike jiu-jitsu gold as UAE dominate at Thailand Open Grand Prix

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Faisal Al-Ketbi, right, in action during the finals of 94-kilogram division at Thailand Open Grand Prix. (Twitter: @uaejjf)
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Above, Shamma Al-Kalbani after winning the gold medal for the 63-kilogram of the Thailand Open Grand Prix. (Twitter: @uaejjf)
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Updated 23 May 2023
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Al-Ketbi, Al-Kalbani strike jiu-jitsu gold as UAE dominate at Thailand Open Grand Prix

  • Emirati fighters grab 5 more medals, raising overall tally to 20

ABU DHABI: The UAE national jiu-jitsu team have emerged overall champions at the prestigious Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023, earning an impressive 20 medals at the tournament held in Bangkok.

The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, displayed clear dominance across the two days of competition, amassing nine gold, seven silver and four bronze medals.

On the final day on Sunday, the UAE secured five medals, adding to the 15 they had already harvested on the opening day. Faisal Al-Ketbi (94-kilogram division) and Shamma Al-Kalbani (63 kilogram), the star athletes of the national squad, lived up to the high expectations and emerged victorious, claiming gold medals.

“These accomplishments are a direct result of the unwavering support from our wise leadership and the tireless efforts of the UAEJJF (UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation) led by His Excellency Abdul Munam Al-Hashemi,” Al-Ketbi said. “Their guidance has propelled us towards success, allowing us to achieve championships and establish the UAE’s global leadership in the sport.”

Saeed Al-Kubaisi (85 kilogram) and Abdullah Al-Kubaisi (94 kilogram) also contributed to the team’s success by securing silver medals. In addition, Hazaa Farhan (94 kilogram) won a bronze medal in his division.

Al-Hashemi, chairman of the UAEJJF, president of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and senior vice-president of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the national side.

“The remarkable performance of the UAE national team is a clear testament to the valuable initiatives implemented by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, president of the UAE, and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

“Their dedicated efforts are now bearing fruit, as evidenced by the team’s success. The team’s ultimate ambition is to stand atop the podium and secure even more victories.”

“The Thailand Grand Prix tournament was a unique opportunity to measure the development in the performance of athletes before participating in the World Championships in Mongolia and the Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, and they have proved to be strong contenders,” he added.

Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAEJJF, also praised the team. “Of the 24 athletes who participated from the UAE side, 20 have won medals. These numbers reflect the importance of (the) achievement,” he said.

“This year, the team has already achieved more than 50 medals during the first five months, starting with the Asian Championship in Bangkok, followed by the Paris Open Grand Prix and now the Thailand Open Grand Prix. We have six more international events remaining in the season, including the Asian Games and World Championships, and I can’t wait to see the UAE team shine brightly in those championships,” he added.

Gold medalist Al-Kalbani expressed her enthusiasm and motivation to continue striving for success.

“The Thailand Open Grand Prix has undoubtedly played a significant role in enhancing my technical expertise and experience,” she said. “I am deeply indebted and grateful to my coaches and teammates for their unwavering support and guidance. Their encouragement keeps me motivated to perform well, win medals, and represent our nation with pride at international events.”


Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour

Updated 8 sec ago
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Basketball returns to NEOM Beach Games with FIBA 3x3 World Tour

  • Single-hoop tournament’s new incarnation this year is the top tier of the 3x3 format

NEOM, Saudi Arabia: 3x3 basketball returned to NEOM Beach Games this week with the hosting of the FIBA 3x3 World Tour NEOM 2024.

Thrilling final matches saw Team Miami triumph in the men’s tournament and Bahrain’s Al-Zallaq come out on top in the Women’s Cup. The competition drew large crowds at the Beach Games Hub to witness the finalists secure their well-earned victories.

FIBA 3x3 World Tour NEOM 2024 at NEOM Beach Games featured 16 teams, including returning men’s teams Amsterdam, Hangzhou and Plunge. The presence of recent Olympic gold medalists Worthy De Jong, Dylan Travis and Frank Seguela brought an increased competitive edge to the event.

Four Saudi Arabia men’s teams — AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah and Makkah — took part in the tournament.

The NEOM Beach Games also saw strong women’s representation from Saudi Arabia, with Jeddah and Riyadh teams stepping on to the court.

Following their remarkable success in Manama, where Riyadh made history by winning the Kingdom’s first international 3x3 women’s trophy, they continued to impress by reaching the semifinals.

Jeddah excelled throughout the competition, finishing as the cup runner-up after a close match against Al-Zallaq.


WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh

Updated 47 min 43 sec ago
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WTA Foundation champions women’s health at event in Riyadh

  • Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud: ‘We have laid the foundations for cooperation with WTA toward a healthier, more active future both on and off the court’
  • Ahead of the WTA Finals Riyadh, former players Marion Bartoli, Martina Hingis and Daniela Hantuchova called for greater resources, visibility and funding

RIYADH: Ahead of the final match of the inaugural WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF, the WTA Foundation on Saturday hosted “Championing Women’s Health Together,” an educational event attended by Saudi Ambassador to the US Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud and tennis legends Marion Bartoli, Daniela Hantuchova and Martina Hingis.

The event, highlighting a new vision for women and girls in Saudi Arabia, and addressing global health priorities such as maternal and child malnutrition, was supported by several regional and global partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health and Ministry of Sport, the Saudi Tennis Federation and WTA’s title partner, Hologic.

“Championing Women’s Health Together” is one of five major development engagements to take place this year since the WTA Foundation launched its “Women Change the Game” campaign in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation this past International Women’s Day.

Panel discussions tackled a variety of issues including the role of preventative women’s health, the lifelong health benefits of sports for women and girls, the global state of women’s health and maternal nutrition, and the goals of the WTA Foundation’s Global Women’s Health Fund.

The fund launched with a $1.5 million donation from Hologic. It focuses on providing prenatal vitamins to at least 1 million women in low- and middle-income countries in its first year. The resources will be directed to the UNICEF-led Child Nutrition Fund, a global initiative aimed at ending malnutrition.

Former Wimbledon champion and WTA Foundation Game Changer Marion Bartoli highlighted global advancements in women’s healthcare while acknowledging persistent challenges.

“Healthy women are indeed the cornerstone of healthy families, vibrant communities and prosperous economies — from right here in Saudi Arabia to every corner of the globe,” she said.

Princess Reema Bandar Al-Saud highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact in inspiring women and girls through tennis as well as promoting healthier lifestyles.

“The legacy of the WTA Finals Riyadh will resonate for years to come, extending beyond the remarkable athleticism shown by the world’s top female tennis players this week,” she said.

“By hosting the WTA Finals, we aimed to inspire women and girls across Saudi Arabia and beyond to embrace tennis not only as a sport, but as a powerful tool for empowerment and community building. Through initiatives like ‘Championing Women’s Health Together’ and our collaborative efforts with the WTA Foundation and the Saudi Tennis Federation to integrate tennis into schools and communities, we have laid the foundations for cooperation with WTA toward a healthier, more active future both on and off the court.”

Dr. Khaled Alabdulkareem, assistant deputy minister for primary healthcare, Ministry of Health, said: “The relationship between sports and healthcare is intrinsic, as an active society is a healthy one. The WTA Finals aligns with our national Vision 2030 ambitions to inspire a healthier, more physically active society. The legacy of the WTA Finals, by inspiring more women into tennis, along with today’s discussions highlighting women’s healthcare, are part of achieving our goals.”

Ann Austin, executive director of the WTA Foundation, highlighted the organization’s dedication to community development.

“The WTA is about changing lives through tennis with its partners around the world, and when we show the world how healthy we can be, we empower an entire generation of young female champions,” she said.

Meanwhile Dr. Alaa Murabit, director of global health advocacy and communications at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said that across the world “women are changing the game in their homes, workplaces and communities every day.

“While they lead this work, it’s essential to make their health and well-being a priority,” she added. “Investing in women as game-changers requires ensuring women everywhere have access to proven health and nutrition solutions, which is what ‘Women Change the Game’ is all about.”


McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi

Updated 54 min 7 sec ago
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McIlroy and Bale join forces for special golf challenge in Abu Dhabi

  • The sporting icons took part in a series of stunts to promote the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship

Sporting superstars Rory McIlroy and Gareth Bale joined forces recently to showcase their golfing abilities in a unique, eye-catching campaign ahead of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

The four-day Rolex Series event, part of the inaugural DP World Tour Play-Offs, is currently taking place at Yas Links, with the likes of McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Shane Lowry competing.

McIlroy, reigning Race to Dubai champion, was joined by Bale, the former Real Madrid forward and keen golfer, with the pair taking part in a series of visually impressive challenges on Yas Island which involved a fast-paced flying drone.

Firstly, McIlroy and Bale were tasked with hitting shots, both individually and together, with the drone flying as close to the ball flights as possible, changing the flight path around the ball trajectories each time.

They were then challenged to hit a flying drone in the style of a clay shooting target, with the pair working as a team over multiple rounds to complete the task.

 


Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

Updated 10 November 2024
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Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club tops medal table at Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship

  • The competition for youngsters is part of the ongoing 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship

ABU DHABI: Al-Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club secured top position on the second day of the Abu Dhabi World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship at Mubadala Arena, part of the 16th edition of the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Commando Group claimed second place, followed by the Kazakhstan National Team in third.

Mohamed Salem Al-Dhaheri, vice chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commented: “Today, we witnessed future champions deliver outstanding performances characterized by skill, enthusiasm, and professionalism. The high level of these youth athletes reflects their dedication and passion for the sport. We take pride in Abu Dhabi’s role as a global hub where athletes can showcase their talents and take significant steps in their careers.”

Al-Dhaheri also commended the young athletes from the UAE who secured multiple medals, adding: “This generation has the potential to achieve remarkable success on the international stage. It is inspiring to see their talent and determination, proving they are on the right path to success.

“The Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship serves as an ideal platform for supporting young athletes, helping them reach their goals and gaining invaluable experience for future achievements.”


Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic

Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and UAE advance to quarterfinals, Palestine in semis of Baseball United Arab Classic

  • Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and India also advance to Sunday’s playoff round at Baseball United Ballpark

DUBAI: The playoff field for the inaugural Baseball United Arab Classic is officially set after a series of decisive matchups took place on Saturday, with Pakistan and Palestine earning top positions in their groups and automatic spots in the semifinals, while the UAE, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia and India secured their spots in the quarterfinals.

The playoffs and final will take place on Sunday.

“The semifinals and championship are shaping up to be absolute classics,” said Kash Shaikh, chairman, CEO and co-founder of Baseball United. “Pakistan and Palestine both look great, and the UAE and Sri Lanka both believe they can finish with a trophy. It’s going to be an amazing evening of baseball at Baseball United Ballpark.”

As the playoff picture takes shape, the matchups are set for an action-packed day of baseball, with teams vying for a spot in the championship and the opportunity to compete for national glory.

India (A3) will face Sri Lanka (B2), followed by Saudi Arabia (B3) taking on UAE (A2). The winners of these games will advance to play Pakistan (A1) and Palestine (B1) respectively. The day will culminate in the championship game at 8:00 p.m. local time, featuring the winners of the semifinal matchups.

Saturday game recaps:

Nepal vs. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka took charge in a commanding 10-0 win over Nepal, led by an explosive offensive display and strong pitching. Center fielder Sameera Rathnayake excelled, going 3-for-3 with a double, a triple, three runs scored, and two runs batted in. Third baseman Roshan Samaraweera added to the effort, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. On the mound, right-hander Sugath De Silva delivered four scoreless innings, allowing only two hits and striking out two to help secure the victory.

UAE vs. Bangladesh

The UAE powered past Bangladesh in a 9-2 win, highlighted by standout performances at the plate and on the mound. Right fielder Lorenzo Riddle led the offense with a perfect 3-for-3 outing, launching two home runs and driving in four runs. Second baseman Alejandro Perez and shortstop Chris Beyers each contributed two hits and an RBI, adding to the UAE’s impressive lineup. Right-hander Claudio Gomez controlled the game on the mound, throwing five innings with no earned runs and five strikeouts. Bangladesh’s offense was limited to just four hits, with right-handed pitchers Tanmoy Das and Salam Chowdhury struggling to hold back the UAE’s momentum.

Pakistan vs. Afghanistan

Pakistan continued its undefeated streak with a commanding 17-3 victory over Afghanistan. Shortstop Zan Shariff led the charge, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and three RBIs, while left-fielder Amar Mahmood contributed a 3-for-4 performance, including a triple and three RBIs. Right-hander Syed Ali earned the win, pitching 1 ⅓ innings, allowing three runs, and striking out three. Afghanistan, still in search of its first win, struggled to contain Pakistan’s powerful offense as they fell to 0-4 in the tournament and were eliminated from the playoffs.

KSA vs. Palestine

Palestine extended its undefeated run with a decisive 12-2 victory over Saudi Arabia. Taking advantage of a struggling Saudi pitching staff that issued 14 walks, Palestine capitalized on every opportunity to secure the win and solidify their strong standing in the tournament. Saudi Arabia, unable to contain Palestine’s disciplined approach at the plate, now looks to regroup after the tough loss.

India vs. Bangladesh

India secured a dominant 9-1 victory over Bangladesh, advancing to the quarterfinals and eliminating their opponents from playoff contention. Left-fielder Siddarth Vaishnav led the charge, going 3-for-4 with three runs scored and two RBIs. First baseman Narender Kumar added to the offensive attack, finishing 2-for-2 with a double and three RBIs. On the mound, left-handed pitcher Ishan Thakur pitched two innings, allowing one run while striking out three, and handed it over to RHP Tushar Lalwani who closed out the game with two scoreless innings, striking out five batters to seal the win.