ABU DHABI // Jiu-jitsu may not yet be a recognised Olympic discipline but that has not discouraged the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation from preparing the national youth for the 2024 staging of the world’s biggest sporting extravaganza.
The UAEJJF on Tuesday announced a scholarship programme titled “Making of Champions” that would benefit 45 Emirati boys and girls to pursue a full-time career in the martial art.
“This is one of our programmes aimed at preparing the youth for the 2024 Olympic Games, should it be included, by then,” said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, chief executive of the UAEJJF.
“Our vision is to have players who can compete at the world level and this is another exciting project.
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“We will have quarterly meetings to evaluate the overall development of these youngsters, which will include his or her performances in academics, discipline as well as their progress in jiu-jitsu.”
The first batch of pupils, 40 boys and five girls in the 15-17 age group, are sponsored by Palms Sports Company.
“It is a one-year programme that can be extended,” Al Shamsi said.
“This is the first of its kind in the region and we expect more companies both from the public and private sectors to come forward to join this project.”
According to Abdulmunam Al Hashmi, president of the national federation, the project under the auspices of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, will look after the welfare of the athletes.
“This is a pathway for them to become professional athletes,” Al Hashmi said.
“The programme covers their academics as well as extensive training to take their game to world class.”
Mahra Al Hanaei, 15, a Grade 11 pupil from Al Ain, has to balance her academics with her training.
“It’s a good move from our federation to encourage youngsters like us to balance our academics with sport,” said Mahra, a member of the UAE national women’s age group team.
“Jiu-jitsu is my passion and I want to train and compete as long as possible. However, I know I must give it up at some point and think of my professional career, which is to become a medical doctor.”
Unlike Mahra, Omar Al Fadhli has made up his mind to pursue a full-time career in jiu-jitsu.
“This programme is a real good move, though, as it will provide us with all the support we need to focus full time on our training,” said Omar, who turns 17 tomorrow.
“There are a lot of benefits from this programme to the nation’s youth as it comes with a complete package.”
When asked about the possibility of appearing at the Olympic Games in Tokyo in seven years’ time, he added: “I’ll be 24 at the time, and if I remain injury free and in good shape, If that becomes a reality, it will be my greatest achievement.”
Omar became the youngest to represent the UAE senior squad at an international competition, winning a silver medal at the inaugural Asian Beach Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Sri Lanka last July.
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