Club won in adult, U-18 categories while Al-Ain took U-16 title at Al-Nasr Club over weekend DUBAI: The annual Vice-President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup concluded on Sunday at the Al-Nasr Club in Dubai, with Baniyas and Al-Ain clubs dominating the competition. The tournament, open to athletes in the U-16, U-18, and adult categories, featured a pool of both emerging talents and ranked players from local clubs and academies. Al-Ain claimed the U-16 category by defeating Al-Jazira, which came in second, and Sharjah self-defense sports club, which ranked third. Baniyas triumphed in the U-18 division after beating Sharjah, which finished second, and Al-Wahda, third. Baniyas also won the title in the adult division by forcing Al-Wahda to settle for second place, and Al-Ain third. Fahad Ali Al-Shamsi, secretary-general of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “Record numbers of clubs, academies, and institutions participated in this year’s competitions which shows the significant development of the sport in the country. Championships like these contribute to preparing future talents in the UAE and growth of overall sports in the country. “These clubs and academies are crucial partners in realizing the UAEJJF’s vision and strengthening the organization’s position as the top promoter of jiu-jitsu in the country and raising the competitions’ standards to match with those of international championships. “Local competitions like this one gave our stars a solid foundation on which to swoop in and conquer the world,” he added. Ahmed Saeed Al-Shamsi of Al-Ain Club, who won the U-16 gold in the 42-kilogram division, said: “I feel a great deal of pride and honor for participating in this wonderful competition, obtaining the gold medal, and helping my team ascend the podium and win the title. “I was able to put up a good fight against the competent opponents, and for that, I’m grateful to the Al-Ain Club’s technical staff, my teammates, and the supporters who never stopped believing in me.” Ammar Al-Hosani of Baniyas, who secured gold in the U-18 (94 kg) category, said: “The Vice-President’s Jiu-Jitsu Cup competitions provided the athletes with a beautiful ambience. The increased number of skilled players, the fierce competitions, and the impressive technical prowess displayed by them were outstanding.” He added that the event gave him the chance to develop close bonds with some of the most well-known and highly regarded players on the local scene.