Shamma Al Kalbani strikes gold as UAE dominates Thailand Open Grand Prix

The UAE added five more medals on second day, raising overall tally to an impressive 20 as Jiu-Jitsu star leads the way to inspire Emirati Jiujiteiras to reach greater heights

Abu Dhabi, May 23, 2023:  The UAE national Jiu-Jitsu team emerged victorious in the prestigious
Thailand Open Grand Prix 2023, earning an impressive total of 20 medals during the competitions
held in Bangkok. The team, sponsored by Mubadala Investment Company, displayed clear
dominance in the fiercely contested fights on both days it participated.

The team had a wonderful run at the championship as they amassed 9 golds, 7 silvers, and 4
bronzes. As the competitions wrapped up on Sunday, the UAE secured five medals, adding to the 15
they had already harvested on the opening day. Faisal Al Ketbi (94kg) and Shamma Al Kalbani (63kg),
the star athletes of the national squad, lived up to the high expectations and emerged victorious,
claiming gold medals.

Saeed Al Kubaisi (85kg) and Abdullah Al-Kubaisi (94kg) also contributed to the team’s success by
securing silver medals, further elevating the celebration. Additionally, Hazaa Farhan won a bronze
medal in the 94kg division.

“The remarkable performance of the UAE national team is a clear testament to the valuable
initiatives implemented by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the
UAE, and nurtured by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince
of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Their dedicated efforts are now bearing
fruit, as evidenced by the team’s success. The team’s ultimate ambition is to stand atop the podium
and secure even more victories,” said His Excellency Abdul Munam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE
Jiu-Jitsu Federation, President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union, and Senior Vice President of the
International Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

“The Thailand Grand Prix tournament was a unique opportunity to measure the development in the
performance of athletes before participating in the World Championships in Mongolia and the
Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games, and they have proved to be strong contenders,” he added.

Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, also praised the remarkable
brilliance of the team. “Of the 24 athletes who participated from the UAE side, 20 have won medals.
These numbers reflect the importance of achievement,” he said.

“This year, the team has already achieved more than 50 medals during the first five months, starting
with the Asian Championship in Bangkok, followed by the Paris Open Grand Prix and now the
Thailand Open Grand Prix. We have six more international events remaining in the season, including the Asian Games and World Championships, and I can’t wait to see the UAE team shine brightly in
those championships,” he added.

Yasser Al-Qubaisi, the administrator of the national Jiu-Jitsu team, highlighted the significance of the
team’s participation in the Thailand Grand Prix tournament as an opportunity to compete against
the world’s elite athletes. “We were eager to include several new talents who recently joined the
national team, and they have shown great enthusiasm and determination. They have proven
themselves to be just as dedicated as the experienced athletes. We are confident that they have the
capability to further develop, progress, and gain valuable experience,” he noted.

Shinning Star

In the world of martial arts, there are certain athletes who excel beyond expectations and leave an indelible mark on their respective disciplines. One such rising star is Shamma Al Kalbani. Named by UAE Jiu-Jitsu champion Faisal Al Ketbi the “golden girl” of martial arts, the Jiujiteira became the first UAE woman to win medals at the prestigious World Games 2022 a tournament renowned for attracting the best grappling athletes from around the world. This remarkable achievement catapulted her into the international spotlight and solidified Shamma’s position as one of the rising stars in Jiu-Jitsu. With a relentless drive, exceptional skill, and an inspiring journey, Shamma has captivated our community with her remarkable talent and determination.

Shamma Al Kalbani expressed her enthusiasm and motivation to continue striving for
success. She stated, “The Thailand Open Grand Prix has undoubtedly played a significant role in
enhancing my technical expertise and experience. I am deeply indebted and grateful to my coaches
and teammates for their unwavering support and guidance. Their encouragement keeps me
motivated to perform well, win medals, and represent our nation with pride at international
events.”

Empowering Women in the UAE: A Journey of Progress and Equality

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been making significant strides in promoting women’s empowerment, aiming to create a society where women can thrive and contribute their talents to all sectors. Through progressive policies, supportive initiatives, and a changing cultural landscape, the UAE is emerging as a shining example of women’s empowerment in the Middle East. This initiative has tremendous positive impact it is on individuals, communities, and the nation as a whole.

The UAE government, in collaboration with various organizations, has launched numerous initiatives to support women’s empowerment. The Dubai Women Establishment, for example, focuses on advancing women’s leadership and creating an enabling environment for their professional growth. The UAE Gender Balance Council is dedicated to promoting gender balance across all sectors of society.

Additionally, programs like the UAE Women’s Leadership Program provide training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for aspiring female leaders. These initiatives aim to equip women with the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to succeed in their chosen fields, fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity.

Women in the UAE are breaking down societal barriers and challenging traditional gender roles. Cultural perceptions are gradually evolving, with greater recognition and appreciation for women’s contributions to society. Female role models are emerging across various domains, inspiring future generations and dismantling stereotypes. And that includes our Jiujiteiras. Congratulations to Shamma Al Kalbani for being a trailblazer and a true inspiration!

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