The UAE jiu-jitsu contingent delivered two gold medals and one bronze on the second day of competition at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games, according to Gulf News. Mahdi Al Awlaqi triumphed in the men’s 77kg final against Jordan’s Mahmoud Jabr while Asma Al Hosani successfully defended her women’s 52kg title by defeating South Korea’s Eonju Im. Amaar Al Hosani rounded out the day’s achievements with bronze in the men’s 94kg division after prevailing over compatriot Abdullah Al Qubaisi in the repechage.
These results lifted the UAE’s jiu-jitsu medal count at the Games to eight, comprising five golds, two silvers and one bronze, The National reported on Friday. The additions brought the overall UAE medal tally across all sports to 12. The performance followed an even stronger opening day on Thursday when the team secured three golds and two silvers in the discipline.
Asma Al Hosani’s retention of her title builds on her historic achievement at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games where she became the first Emirati woman to claim gold in any martial art, a milestone highlighted in multiple UAE federation reviews. Her latest victory demonstrated sustained excellence at the continental level. The 52kg category has proven particularly fruitful for Emirati athletes in recent years.
Mahdi Al Awlaqi’s gold in the 77kg final reflected the depth of UAE preparation in the men’s divisions, with the bout against Jabr showcasing technical proficiency that secured the decision. This success adds to a pattern of strong showings in the middleweight classes during the current edition of the Games. Delegation officials noted the contribution of consistent training camps leading into the event.
Amaar Al Hosani earned his bronze through the repechage system after an initial setback, illustrating the format’s demands and the athlete’s recovery in subsequent matches. The internal contest against Al Qubaisi in the bronze medal bout further evidenced the competitive standard within the UAE squad. Such outcomes align with the federation’s strategy to develop layered talent across weight categories.
Jiu-jitsu has featured prominently in the UAE’s Asian Games campaigns since its introduction to the program, with the national team amassing increasing medal totals in each successive edition according to records from the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation. The competition in Aichi-Nagoya runs through Saturday, offering additional chances to build on the current haul. Organizers have described the event as one of the largest gatherings for the sport in Asia to date.
