The 2021 Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup promises to be one of the most exciting editions to date following an exhilarating first round at Abu Dhabi’s Jiu-Jitsu Arena that saw top-class action from male and female athletes from a number of clubs and academies. This year’s edition of the President’s Cup, one of the most prestigious on the season’s calendar, welcomed female participation for the first time across all categories, juveniles (U16 years), youth (under 18 years) and adults (over 18 years) “Female participation in jiu-jitsu has grown considerably in recent years, so it is right that they have the opportunity to test themselves and showcase their talents on n prestigious stage,” said Fahad Al Shamsi, general secretary of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the championship organizers. Day one of the championship belonged to the female athletes and it was the team from Al Wahda Club who took the early lead in the three-round championship, topping the points table in the first division after round one, ahead of Al Jazira Club and Al Dhafra Club. In the second division, Palm Sports Team 777 came out top, leading Al Ain Club, with Sharjah Self Defense Sports Club ranked third. Meanwhile, in the youth category, Sharjah Self Defense Sports Club showed the strength of its burgeoning young female talent, taking first place ahead of Al Ain Club and Palms Sports Team 777. In the juniors’ category, Al Wahda Club’s youngsters joined the adult teammates by topping their points table, followed by Sharjah Self Defense Sports Club and Al Dhafra third. In the second group, Palms Sports Team 777 lead after round one, with Al Jazira club ranked second, and Al Ain Club in third. The star of the national team and Al Ain Club, Wadima Al Yafei, who competed in the adult category, said: “Having female athletes participate in the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup, one of the most important championships on the jiu-jitsu calendar, provides the perfect platform to enhance our skills against a strong competition.“My teammates and I are doing our best to put Al Ain Club on the podium when the championship concludes. I am glad I captured the win today to give us a good start to the championship.” It was the turn of the top male athletes on day 2, and after an impressive first round in the adults’ category, Baniyas club topped the first group, while Al Wahda club came in second and Al Jazira club in third. In the second group, Al Ain came first, Palms Sports 777 ranked second, Al Dafrah club ranked third. In the youth competition, the future certainly looks bright for Baniyas club, with their under-18 talent claiming top spot ahead of counterparts from Al Ain club and Al Wahda club. In the junior category, Sharjah Self Defence Sports Club, lead from Al Ain club and Palms Sports 777. Omar Al Fadhli, national team and Palms Sports 777 star, commented after winning in the adults category: “I consider my participation in the competition a form of national duty, with the symbol this championship stands for. The championship brings out the best in me due to my strong desire to capture the victory. “ I was honored to win today and help my team to have a better chance to be on the podium at the end. Certainly, my participation at Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship last month gave me a great boost to my jiu-jitsu skills, with the opportunity to compete against the best talent in the world and leaning new techniques.” Commenting on the first round of the Jiu-Jitsu President Cup, Al Shamsi, said “We are thrilled by the high-level of competition we saw in the two-days of the championship. The athletes know the importance of the championship for both the clubs and their careers.” “This year’s edition is special as we welcomed for the first-time women across various categories. This step will surely help in boosting the skill levels of Emirati women on both the local and international matts,” added Al Shamsi. — SG