5th IMMAF Youth Championship With 800 athletes from 47 countries.
The fifth edition of the IMMAF (World Mixed Martial Arts Federation) Youth Championship concluded recently with great success.
Held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi.
IMMAF Youth Championship featured intense competitions, a remarkable atmosphere, and a large audience.
The championship took place at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
It witnessed the participation of over 800 athletes from 47 countries.
Ukraine emerged as the overall champion, with Tajikistan as the runner-up and Uzbekistan in third place.
Distinguished Guests
During the final day’s matches of IMMAF Youth Championship, notable guests were in attendance, including:
- Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and President of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club
- Sheikh Shakhbout bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan; Carith Brown, President of the IMMAF
- Mohammed Hamid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu, and Chairman of the IMMAF Committee
- Wassam Abi Nader, Deputy President of IMMAF
- Mohammed Qamber, President of the Bahrain Mixed Martial Arts Federation
- Dennis White, CEO of the IMMAF
- Renzo Gracie, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend
- As well as representatives from participating countries’ delegations and embassies were present
Proud Achievements
Our UAE youth team participated for the third time in the championship’s history.
Securing an impressive tally of 12 medals: 4 gold, 1 silver, and 7 bronze.
Notably, Al Hamedi sisters—Sara Al Zarouni (in the 40 kg weight category for age group “C”), Ghala Al Hamedi (in the “B” youth category, 44 kg), Rakan Al Hamedi (in the “C” category, 34 kg), and Zamzam Al Hamedi (in the “A” category, 52 kg)—achieved gold medals.
H.E Mohammed Hamid bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri expressed heartfelt gratitude to HH Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his generous sponsorship of the IMMAF Youth Championship.
He emphasized that the success of this event, underscores Abu Dhabi’s impact on this sport.
Amid widespread acclaim from participating delegations, athletes, international federation heads, and the audience.
The capital continues to leave its mark by hosting world-class tournaments.
Commitment to positive change
Carith Brown, President of the IMMAF, praised the championship’s exceptional success and the impressive performances of the mixed martial arts championship next generation.
With over 800 amateur athletes competing, the championship reflects our commitment to positive change and continuous development in this sport.
Renzo Gracie, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend, also shared his excitement.
Highlighting that witnessing the next generation of mixed martial arts champions was the highlight of the championship.
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He noted that after approximately 7 years, many of these young athletes would compete at a professional level, representing mixed martial arts with passion.
This year’s championship in Abu Dhabi was significantly larger and impeccably organized, surpassing expectations.
Indeed, the IMMAF Youth Championship serves as a testament to the UAE’s dedication to sports excellence and its role in shaping the future of mixed martial arts.
Congratulations to all the participants and medalists!
