Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has departed for Japan in advance of the Asian Games. The squad travelled with coaches and support staff to prepare for competitions that form part of the multi-sport programme. Officials from the national federation coordinated the logistics to ensure seamless arrival and acclimatisation ahead of the first bouts.
The journey forms part of a broader UAE delegation that includes 165 athletes competing across 23 sports at the Games in Nagoya. Gulf News data places the contingent at 117 men and 48 women who will represent the country in disciplines ranging from combat sports to equestrian events. This marks the nation’s 13th appearance at the Asian Games where jiu-jitsu has grown into a key medal source.
Asma Al Hosani and Shamma Al Kalbani head the women’s contingent and will seek to retain the gold medals they captured in the -52kg and -63kg divisions three years ago. The National noted that both athletes claimed world titles last month in Abu Dhabi along with Asian championship golds in July. Khaled Al Shehhi returns as defending champion in the men’s -62kg category after prevailing in an all-Emirati final at the last Games.
The national team captured the overall title at the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Kazakhstan last month with a 55-medal haul across four age categories. Arab News Japan figures show that total comprised 20 gold 15 silver and 20 bronze with the adult division yielding five golds for the men and two for the women. These results reinforce the squad’s standing among the continent’s leading jiu-jitsu nations.
The 20th Asian Games officially opened in Nagoya on Saturday with the UAE delegation participating in the parade of nations at the main stadium. Events in jiu-jitsu are scheduled during the 16-day programme that runs until October 4 and features 469 competitions in total. The UAE athletes will encounter strong fields that include title challengers from Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
UAE teams secured five gold medals at the 2023 Asian Games with jiu-jitsu contributing several of those podium finishes. The current squad blends seasoned defenders with emerging talents who have excelled in recent world and continental events. Federation support combined with targeted training camps has focused on technical precision and tactical preparation for the challenges ahead.
