DUBAI: MOD UAE topped the medal standings when the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship wrapped up at Shabab Al-Ahli Club on Sunday. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport On the final day of the event, which featured amateur and professional divisions, Commando Group secured second place, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took third. This year’s championship attracted participants from 74 clubs and academies from around the world, up from 64 last year. On the final day alone, 310 male and female athletes competed. Youssef Abdullah Al-Batran, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, said: “This round of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship has been a great success. The event attracted some of the top international jiu-jitsu stars with black, brown, and purple belts, who delivered outstanding performances that captivated the audience. It also provided an excellent platform for our young talents in the youth and kids categories to showcase their skills, in line with the federation’s focus on developing the next generation of athletes.” Al-Batran said the championship improved the standards of local athletes by giving them the chance to compete against seasoned competitors. “The UAE athletes performed exceptionally well throughout the championship, earning several gold medals across various categories,” he said. “I would also like to commend the clubs and academies across the country for their strong participation and support.” Meanwhile, Ali Omar Al Balushi, director of sports events at Dubai Sports Council, said: “We are pleased to be part of the sixth edition of the AJP Tour Dubai International Jiu-Jitsu Championship. This event underscores the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation’s commendable efforts in organising world-class local, continental, and international events, featuring top international athletes as well as Emirati champions who have won international medals. “Dubai Sports Council values our collaboration with the federation, which supports athletes across all age and weight categories. Today, we see many Emirati champions competing in international championships and achieving top positions, thanks to the high standards of organisation. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation to host more championships in Dubai in the future.” Paulinho Barauna, coach of Commando Group, said: “Our athletes have performed admirably. We always aim for first place, and our experienced coaching team plays a key role in that. Regular competition builds confidence and motivates the team. I am proud of our athletes who won medals today. As we prepare for the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, these competitions help us identify areas for improvement. We’re progressing every day.”