UAE Recognised as Global Jiu-Jitsu Leader Following Asian Games Success
The President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation has praised the Emirates' national team performance and institutional excellence at the 20th Asian Games, positioning the UAE as a pivotal force in the sport's worldwide development.
The United Arab Emirates has been acknowledged as a driving force in global jiu-jitsu advancement, with Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Ju-Jitsu International Federation, commending the nation’s comprehensive approach to developing the sport at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Speaking in Nagoya, Theodoropoulos highlighted the UAE national jiu-jitsu team’s demonstration of technical excellence, discipline and professionalism during the Games. He attributed the country’s sustained achievements to long-term strategic planning and institutional commitment, which have established a robust sporting ecosystem designed to nurture elite athletes whilst expanding grassroots participation.
The inclusion of jiu-jitsu in the Asian Games programme under the Olympic Council of Asia represents a significant milestone for the discipline, elevating technical standards and strengthening its standing amongst Asia’s premier sports. Theodoropoulos noted that Asia has emerged as instrumental in propelling jiu-jitsu’s development globally, with the international federation increasingly drawing upon Asian experience—particularly that of the UAE—to advance its technical and organisational frameworks.
Abu Dhabi’s role has been instrumental in establishing the Emirates as an international jiu-jitsu centre. The nation’s integrated system encompasses schools, educational institutions, government entities, clubs and academies, complemented by world-class international competitions. This comprehensive infrastructure has broadened participation and fostered the development of successive generations of competitive athletes.
Abdulmunam Al Hashemi, Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation and President of the Jiu-Jitsu Asian Union, has been instrumental in expanding the sport across the continent. Since assuming the Asian federation presidency in 2014, the number of member national federations has grown from 12 to more than 40, accompanied by significant increases in continental and international competitions and athlete participation. The federation has also established dedicated programmes for junior and youth development, women’s participation, and the training of referees, coaches and administrators.
Theodoropoulos praised the organisation and technical calibre of jiu-jitsu competitions at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, highlighting the efficiency, transparency and fairness of officiating. He suggested these standards could serve as a benchmark for future international competitions.
The Ju-Jitsu International Federation remains committed to collaborative work with the Asian federation and other continental bodies to develop personnel across administrative, technical and refereeing disciplines, whilst expanding education and training initiatives to broaden participation and elevate technical standards worldwide.
Source: WAM