AL-AIN: The UAE’s Saif Alblooshi clinched the host nation’s first gold medal at the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Al-Ain on Wednesday, defeating Azizullo Mirzoev of Tajikistan in the men’s Youth B (14–15 years) 40 kg final.
Alblooshi delivered a composed and technically dominant performance, spurred on by strong support from the home crowd.
This marks the second time Alblooshi has won gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, having also topped the podium in 2023 in the same weight division.
Adding to the UAE’s medal tally, Ghala Al-Hammadi secured silver in the women’s Youth B 44 kg category.
The results mean the UAE’s haul now stands at 11 — one gold, two silver and eight bronze.
Day three saw the start of the Youth B category at the ADNEC Centre in Al-Ain. The division continues on Thursday, with more closely matched bouts expected as athletes compete across multiple weight classes.
The event, hosted in the Al-Ain region for the first time runs until July 27 under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, crown prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
Mohammed Jasem Al-Hosani, member of the MMA Committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “We are seeing clear progress each day in terms of technical skill and tactical discipline shown by athletes inside the cage. This year’s championship is gaining momentum and reflects a promising future for youth athletes around the world. The strong spectator presence and family support have added a meaningful community and cultural dimension to the event.”
