The UAE women’s jiu-jitsu team captured six medals, including two golds, at the Asian Championship in Kazakhstan, boosting the nation’s overall tally to 15 medals.
SHARJAH NEWS – WAM
The UAE’s women continued their impressive rise in international jiu-jitsu, winning six medals in Kazakhstan and reinforcing the country’s position among Asia’s elite martial arts nations.
ALMATY, Kazakhstan — The UAE Women’s Jiu-Jitsu National Team delivered another outstanding performance at the 10th Jiu-Jitsu Asian Championship, winning six medals on Saturday to keep the Emirates firmly in contention for the overall title in Almaty.
Sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, the Emirati women secured two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals at Almaty Arena, lifting the UAE’s overall medal count to 15 medals after two days of competition. The latest success follows the men’s nine-medal haul on Friday, highlighting the country’s growing dominance at the continental championship.
Asma Al-Hosani claimed gold in the Under-52kg category, while Shamma Al-Kalbani topped the podium in the Under-63kg division. Alaonod Alharbi earned silver in the Under-48kg class, while Hamda Alshkeili (Under-45kg), Balqees Abdullah (Under-48kg), and Hessa Al-Shamsi (Under-52kg) each secured bronze medals.
The UAE athletes impressed with disciplined, tactically sound performances against some of Asia’s strongest competitors. Their ability to adapt to different fighting styles and maintain composure in decisive moments enabled several competitors to reach the finals and strengthen the UAE’s position in the championship standings.
The results also underscore the growing impact of Emirati women in international sport, reflecting the UAE’s long-term investment in athlete development and women’s empowerment.
Mubarak Saleh Al-Menhali, Technical Director of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, praised the team’s achievements, saying the continued success of female athletes demonstrates the country’s commitment to creating opportunities for women to compete and excel at the highest level.
He said the UAE’s leadership has established a structured pathway that identifies promising talent, develops athletes through world-class programmes and prepares them to compete successfully on the continental and international stage.
“Our female athletes play an important role in the UAE’s overall medal tally and continental standing,” Al-Menhali said. “Today’s results reflect their discipline, ambition and ability to perform under pressure. We will continue investing in this programme to prepare future generations of champions.”
Women’s national team coach Marina Ribeiro credited the athletes’ technical and mental preparation for the successful campaign.
“The athletes entered the competition well prepared both technically and mentally,” Ribeiro said. “They followed the game plan, adapted effectively to different opponents and showed maturity in managing each contest under pressure.”
Gold medallist Shamma Al-Kalbani described the victory as a proud moment for both herself and the nation.
“I am very proud to raise the UAE flag on the podium,” she said. “Every achievement by an Emirati woman creates new opportunities for the next generation of female athletes. I dedicate this gold medal to the UAE and everyone who supported me throughout my preparation.”
With 15 medals already secured after two days of competition, the UAE remains among the leading contenders for the overall title as the Asian Championship continues in Kazakhstan.
