Over 800 male and female athletes from more than 45 countries will participate across 3 divisions; UAE to host the championships for 3 more years ABU DHABI: The UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation is completing the final preparations for the fifth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships, set to take place from Aug. 6 to 10 at Zayed Sports City’s Mubadala Arena. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The UAEJJF event, held 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, will feature more than 800 athletes from over 45 countries. Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al-Dhaheri, board member of the UAEJJF and chairman of the federation’s Mixed Martial Arts Committee, said the event was one for the fans. “Hosting the previous editions of the Championships, Abu Dhabi has set a benchmark for organizing international sports events, offering an exceptional experience praised by the global sports community.” He said the number of participating athletes and countries has increased by over 50 percent since 2022. He was confident that the UAE’s national team would perform well and build on previous achievements, which include securing fourth place in the overall tournament rankings and winning 12 medals in the second edition. “We are delighted to announce the extension of the strategic partnership with the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation to host the championship for the next three years. “This partnership reflects the confidence of the global sports community and solidifies Abu Dhabi’s status as a leading destination for international sporting events.” Kerrith Brown, president of the IMMAF, said it was a “great honor” that the event will take place under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled. He added: “As the only amateur MMA organization recognized by the World Anti-Doping Agency, we are proud to continue building the future of our sport by promoting clean and fair MMA.” Brown also expressed his happiness with the launch of the campaign, “IMMAF Road to Recognition,” which aims to include the sport under the umbrella of the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sports, which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Suhail Al-Arifi, executive director of the Sports Development Sector at the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, said the event highlights Abu Dhabi’s status as a global hub for major international sports championships. “The championships have seen significant growth since their inaugural edition in Italy in 2019, flourishing in Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023,” he added.