Abu Dhabi: Commando Group emerged victorious on the final day of the final leg of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour 2022-2023 at Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. The professional division saw fierce fights from top-notch athletes worldwide, making for an exciting spectacle. Commando Group showcased their prowess on the mats, clinching first place in the professional category and cementing their position as one of the top jiu-jitsu clubs in the world. A.F.N.T. put up a strong fight and secured second place, while Baniyas took third place.
The closing day marked the end of the ADGS 2022-2023 season, and the top players in the black belt division, who performed admirably throughout the season and earned the highest rankings were honoured in a grand ceremony. The list of women winners includes Brazilians Ms. Diana Teixeira (49 KG), Ms. Ana Rodriguez (55 KG), Ms. Julia Alves (62 KG), Ms. Izadora Silva (70 KG), and Ms. Gabrieli Pessanha (95 KG).
Among the men who were ranked top are Emirati Mr. Zayed Al Kathiri (56 KG), Brazilians Mr. Leonardo Mario (62 KG), Mr. Meyran Alves (69 KG), Mr. Lucas Protasio (77 KG), Mr. Jansen Ramos (85 KG), Mr. Catriel Fernandes (94 KG), and Mr. Yatan Bueno (120 KG).
The competitions were attended by many dignitaries, including Sheikh Hamdan bin Sultan bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, Mr. Aref Al Awani, Secretary-General, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Mr. Brigadier Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), Mr. Mansour Al Dhaheri, board member of the UAEJJF and Mr. Tariq Badran, Director of Investments at the Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation, and a number of officials, guests, and representatives of the participating academies.
Mr. Mansour Al Dhaheri emphasized the excellent international level that jiu-jitsu has achieved in the UAE. “The UAE and its capital, Abu Dhabi, have played a significant role in advancing jiu-jitsu globally, and it has been attracting elite players from all over the world. This is the result of the unlimited support of the wise leadership headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE,” the board member remarked.