ABU DHABI // Hamad Eissa Al Balooshi, the lone Emirati entry in the Abu Dhabi World Para Jiu-Jitsu Championship, flew the flag of the host nation in style.
Up against a heavier opponent, Al Balooshi, 20, was backed by a passionate home crowd and came out on top over Ildar Zainalov of Kazakhstan in final of the Class 9 category for white to black belt.
“This medal is for my mother,” the Higher Colleges of Technology student said after winning his bout 6-2 on points.
“This is the first time my mother had come to watch me in action since I started competing nine years ago. It’s an incredible feeling because it was so hard to impress her with my jiu-jitsu skills.
“I wish I can take her to meet Sheikh Mohammed [bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces]. He’s the main patron for jiu-jitsu and supports and encourages us, the players, unconditionally.”
Al Balooshi, a purple belt, suffers from polio in his left leg. He had to overcome the stigma of his disability when he was bullied at school.
“I always had the confidence to overcome my disabilities and jiu-jitsu had complimented it,” he said.
“My opponent was heavier than me and I adopted a tactic always to be under him. This way I managed to bring him down three times to get two points each and win.
“The final minute was tiring and my opponent was pushing hard for points. I managed to hold on by slipping out of his grips.
“This is the first time I was fighting against someone with a disability. So, it was new for me.
“I was a bit circumspect at first. But after this experienced, I just love this concept.”
apassela@thenational.ae
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