The UAE’s under-16 jiu-jitsu national team, supported by Mubadala Investment Company, has increased its overall medal haul to 11 at the 2025 World Youth Jiu-Jitsu Championship (U16-U18-U21), currently being held in Bangkok from 8 to 14 November. The latest success follows a strong performance from the girls’ U16 team on Saturday, adding one silver and three bronze medals to the seven medals secured by the boys’ team on the opening day.
In the latest round of competition, Sara Farook earned silver in the 48kg category, while Mathail Alhammadi and Ghaiaheb Alrashdi claimed bronze in the 36kg division. Meanwhile, Maitha Alkarbi took bronze in the 40kg class. These achievements bring the UAE team’s under-16 total to two gold, three silver and six bronze medals.
Commenting on the results, Abdulla Al Zaabi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communications at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the determination and progress demonstrated by the Emirati girls throughout the second day of the championship. He noted that their technique, discipline and competitive mindset reflect the ongoing growth of women’s jiu-jitsu in the UAE, supported both by the country’s leadership and the Federation’s efforts to nurture athletes across all levels.
He said, “This strong start gives us great motivation to maintain our momentum in the under-18 and under-21 categories and to increase our medal tally further. It also reinforces the UAE’s standing among the leading jiu-jitsu nations on the world stage.”
Reflecting on her achievement in the 48kg category, silver medallist Sara Farook said, “Standing on the podium at the 2025 World Championship and winning silver is a dream come true. The matches were tough, but with the guidance of our coaches and the support of my teammates, I stayed focused on representing the UAE in the best way possible. I’m proud to have contributed to the team’s success and will keep working hard to win gold and raise the UAE flag in future competitions.”
The competition resumes on Monday, 10 November, with the boys’ under-18 events, where the UAE squad aims to continue its strong form and further increase its medal total.