Image: Supplied
The UAE National Team delivered an impressive performance at the inaugural Asian Mixed Martial Arts (AMMA) Youth Championship, held at Khalifa Sports City in Bahrain from August 29 to 30 under the supervision of the Asian MMA Association.
Despite competing with just five athletes, the UAE secured four medals — one gold, two silver, and one bronze — finishing fourth in the overall national team rankings. The event, which marked the first continental youth championship for the sport, underscored the rapid rise of combat sports across Asia and offered athletes key preparation ahead of the Asian Youth Games in October.
Leading the UAE’s medal tally was Omar Alraeesi, who claimed gold in the under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -60kg division. Abdulla Aldarmaki and Omar Almarzooqi added silver medals in the under-18 Modern MMA men’s -50kg and under-18 Traditional MMA men’s -65kg categories respectively, while Ahmad Abdulraheem earned bronze in the under-18 Modern MMA men’s -65kg division.
Read: UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation signs partnership with Q Mobility
Mohammed Al Hosani, a member of the MMA Committee of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, commended the team’s performance. “This is a proud moment for the UAE and a testament to the hard work of our young athletes. Their performance in the tournament reflects the growth of mixed martial arts in our country and strengthens our commitment to developing the sport at the grassroots level and to developing talent across age groups. We see this as an important step towards preparing our athletes for bigger continental and global stages,” he said.
He added: “The team’s success at the AMMA Youth Championship motivates us to exert maximum efforts for upcoming continental competitions and enhances our chances of reaching the podium at the Asian Youth Games in Bahrain.”
Gold medallist Omar Alraeesi reflected on the achievement: “Participating in the first Asian Youth Championship and reaching the podium reflects the importance of the achievement and the great efforts made by the players in the face of strong competition. I dedicate this gold medal to our beloved country, its leadership and people, and I look forward to representing the UAE again in the Asian Youth Games.”
