NAGOYA, Japan,— The United Arab Emirates Jiu-Jitsu National Team claimed three gold medals and two silver medals on the first day of jiu-jitsu action at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, the country’s best single-day medal haul in Asian Games history, state news agency WAM reported Thursday.
Khaled Al Shehhi took gold in the men’s 62kg division. Balqees Abdulla won the women’s 48kg title. Ahmed Andeez captured gold in the men’s 69kg class.
Al Anoud Al Harbi took silver in the women’s 48kg event, and Omar Al Suwaidi earned silver in the men’s 62kg division.
All five medals came in jiu-jitsu, showing the strength of the UAE’s national program and years of athlete development aimed at international competition.
The team reached two finals featuring only Emirati athletes on the opening day, pointing to deep talent across the squad.
In the men’s 62kg final, Al Shehhi beat teammate Al Suwaidi, giving the UAE both the gold and silver medals in that weight class.
The women’s 48kg final was also an all-Emirati matchup, with Abdulla defeating Al Harbi for the gold medal.
The outcome marked continued growth for women’s jiu-jitsu in the UAE.
Andeez sealed the team’s third gold medal with his win in the men’s 69kg category, closing out a strong first day for the UAE delegation.
The results strengthened the UAE’s standing as one of Asia’s top jiu-jitsu nations.
Officials pointed to the federation’s long-term investment in the sport and Abu Dhabi’s role as a major international hub for jiu-jitsu training and competition.
The jiu-jitsu event continues Friday and wraps up Saturday, October 3, with the UAE looking to add to its medal count.
(With files from WAM)
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