UAE women’s jiu-jitsu team makes strong start at World Championship.
Dubai: Asma Al Hosani, Balqees Al Hashmi and Shamma Al Kalbani claimed gold medals as the UAE women’s jiu-jitsu team, supported by Mubadala Investment Company, made a strong start in the Adult division at the 2026 Jiu-Jitsu World Championship on Thursday at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
The three gold medals led a five-medal haul for the UAE on the opening day, with the team also securing two silver medals to take the country’s overall championship tally to 57 medals.
Organised by the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation and hosted by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the championship runs until August 9 and features more than 1,500 athletes from around the world.
The women’s competition delivered high-level action from the opening rounds, with UAE athletes producing composed displays against strong international rivals. Their consistent performances throughout the day earned them places in several finals and resulted in multiple podium finishes.
Asma Al Hosani won gold in the Under-52kg category, while Balqees Al Hashmi secured the top spot in the Under-48kg division and Shamma Al Kalbani claimed the Under-63kg title.
Maryam Al Ali (Under-45kg) and Al Anoud Al Harbi (Under-48kg) added two silver medals to complete the UAE’s medal tally for the day.
H.E. Hessa Tahlak, Assistant Undersecretary for People of Determination and Senior Citizens Affairs at the Ministry of Family, said hosting the world championship highlights the important role sport plays in the UAE.
“Sport helps young people develop health, confidence and discipline. Championships like this are about more than winning medals; they inspire young people by demonstrating the importance of commitment, hard work and perseverance, while encouraging them to discover their abilities and make sport part of their everyday lives,” she said.
Tahlak added that families play an important role in encouraging children to participate in sport and supporting their development into confident and responsible individuals. She said the championship reflects the UAE’s vision of placing people and families at the centre of development while creating opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential and enjoy a better quality of life.
H.E. Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said the athletes’ performances demonstrated the growth of women’s jiu-jitsu in the UAE.
“Our athletes competed with confidence against some of the world’s best competitors in a championship of the highest standard. These medals are particularly significant because they were achieved in the Adult division against strong international opponents,” he said.
Al Batran praised the athletes’ determination and competitive spirit, adding that the results would inspire further success. He said the federation’s goal extends beyond winning medals, focusing on strengthening the UAE’s position as a leading force in global jiu-jitsu.
Shamma Al Kalbani said she faced three challenging matches on her way to winning gold and credited her preparation following the Asian Championship two weeks earlier.
“I am very happy to have won another gold medal for the UAE. Competing at home in front of our fans gave me extra motivation to perform at my best,” she said, adding that the team had continued intensive training to arrive at the World Championship in the strongest possible condition.
Asma Al Hosani said winning the gold medal was a proud moment and dedicated her achievement to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, the people of the UAE, and her family and friends.
“Winning on home soil makes this achievement even more special and motivates me to keep working hard and achieve even more success for my country,” she said.
