The UAE national jiu-jitsu team, supported by Mubadala Investment Company, concluded its participation in the XX Asian Games in Nagoya, Aichi, in 2026, securing eight medals, including a record five gold, two silver, and one bronze.
This result marks the best performance in terms of gold medals for the team at the Asian Games, highlighting the strength of the UAE in this sport and the effectiveness of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's efforts to prepare athletes capable of achieving international victories.
The UAE gold medalists included Balkis Al Hashmi (women, 48 kg), Khaled Al Shehhi (men, 62 kg), Ahmed Andiz (men, 69 kg), Mahdi Al Awlaki (men, 77 kg), and Asma Al Hosani (women, 52 kg). Silver was won by Al Anoud Al Harbi (women, 48 kg) and Omar Al Suwaidi (men, 62 kg), while Ammar Al Hosani (men, 94 kg) took bronze.
This success is another milestone in the history of the UAE at the Asian Games. Previously, the team had won two golds in Jakarta in 2018 and four in Hangzhou in 2023, before setting a record of five golds in Nagoya, Aichi, in 2026. The continuous improvement in results reflects years of preparation and investment in the athletes and the teams that support them.
On the final day of the competition, Shihab Ahmed Mohammed Abdulrahim Al Fahim, UAE Ambassador to Japan; Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation; Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation; and Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, were present.
The Ambassador congratulated the athletes on their achievements and highly praised the work of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation under the leadership of Abdulmuneem Al Saeed Mohammed Al Hashmi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and MMA Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.
Al Dhaheri stated that 'our participation was successful in every sense, and we achieved the goals we set before the competition. In the federation, our goal is always to finish first in every championship. We dedicate this achievement to the UAE leadership, whose support made this sporting success possible. These results are the outcome of meticulous planning, constant work, and the efforts of our athletes, coaches, and administrative staff. I thank Abdulmuneem Al Saeed Mohammed Al Hashmi for his continuous support and commitment to the development of the sport. I also thank our coaching and administrative teams, as well as the families of the athletes. The National Olympic Committee supported our participation, and every member of the delegation was part of this success.'
Al Batran noted that 'our preparation began several months before the games. The program included technical, physical, and mental training, as well as overseas training camps. We will continue to develop this progress and work towards further successes. These results are the result of teamwork involving the entire UAE jiu-jitsu scene. I thank the athletes, coaches, and administrative staff, as well as the clubs, academies, and families who play such an important role in nurturing champions. The federation follows a clear strategy aimed at leading the rankings, and our results in continental and international championships reflect this approach. Consistent success has become a culture of sport in the UAE, supported by the careful planning and long-term vision of the Federation,' he said.
Fahad Ali Al Shamsi commented: 'The jiu-jitsu competitions in Nagoya, Aichi 2026 were successful. I would like to commend the Olympic Council of Asia and the local organizing committee for their professional organization and hard work. Jiu-jitsu has added value to the Asian Games since joining the program in Jakarta in 2018. Standards across Asia continue to improve as more people take up this sport, strengthening its position among the leading sports on the continent. This progress also reflects the work and initiatives of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union under the leadership of Abdulmuneem Al Hashmi.'
Khaled Al Shehhi, who won gold in the men's 62 kg weight class, stated: 'I am proud to have won my second consecutive title in my second appearance at the Asian Games. This is an important milestone in my career. I dedicate this gold to the UAE leadership, my family, my coach, and my teammates from the UAE. This medal is the beginning of a long journey of hard work. I want to follow in the footsteps of UAE champions and continue to raise our flag on the podiums at continental and international competitions. The pride I felt when our national anthem played on the podium is hard to describe. It was more than just a gold victory. I was part of a delegation that brought joy to the people of the UAE and turned our ambitions into results. I will continue to work hard to achieve more in the coming years.'
Al Anoud Al Harbi, who won silver in the women's 48 kg weight class, said: 'I am happy to win a medal on my debut at the Asian Games. The final, which featured only Emirati female athletes, showed how far jiu-jitsu has advanced in the UAE and how many talented men and women we have capable of competing at the highest level. This silver medal motivates me to continue working towards gold in future competitions and contributing to the further success of the UAE. I want to help strengthen our position in Asia and on the international stage, in line with the federation's ambitions and the standing that the UAE has achieved in this sport.'