emirates7 - Under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the sixth edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships officially began on Monday at the ADNEC Centre in Al Ain.
This marks the first time the championship is being held in Al Ain, with a record-breaking turnout of over 1,000 young male and female athletes from 60 countries.
Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event will continue until 27th July. The opening day saw intense competitions and a lively atmosphere, with enthusiastic spectators and emerging talent from around the world.
A major milestone for this year’s edition is the introduction of the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, reflecting a clear dedication by organisers to foster early participation and nurture young talent.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown expressed pride in the federation’s strong partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, noting that this is the biggest edition since the tournament’s launch in 2019. He described it as a valuable platform for cultural exchange and promoting positive values among young people.
He further highlighted the UAE’s prominent role as a global hub for sporting events, citing its advanced infrastructure, progressive vision, and strong support for youth empowerment in sports.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said bringing the championship to Al Ain demonstrates the global sports community’s confidence in the UAE’s hosting capabilities. He also emphasised the country’s efforts to strengthen its sports infrastructure and expand event hosting across all emirates.
He noted that the addition of the Youth D category adds a valuable new aspect to the competition and supports the long-term goal of identifying and developing athletic talent from an early age.
“This initiative helps shape future champions by fostering a competitive spirit early on and preparing young athletes to proudly represent the UAE on the world stage,” Al Dhaheri said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the UAE’s leadership, especially H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his generous sponsorship, which he said serves as a major source of motivation for the youth to aim higher and boost the nation’s sporting achievements.
Kyle Wilson, head coach of the U.S. national team, shared that his delegation includes around 30 athletes and commended the excellent organisation of the championship.
This marks the first time the championship is being held in Al Ain, with a record-breaking turnout of over 1,000 young male and female athletes from 60 countries.
Organised by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in collaboration with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event will continue until 27th July. The opening day saw intense competitions and a lively atmosphere, with enthusiastic spectators and emerging talent from around the world.
A major milestone for this year’s edition is the introduction of the Youth D category, for athletes aged 10 to 11, reflecting a clear dedication by organisers to foster early participation and nurture young talent.
IMMAF President Kerrith Brown expressed pride in the federation’s strong partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, noting that this is the biggest edition since the tournament’s launch in 2019. He described it as a valuable platform for cultural exchange and promoting positive values among young people.
He further highlighted the UAE’s prominent role as a global hub for sporting events, citing its advanced infrastructure, progressive vision, and strong support for youth empowerment in sports.
Mohammed bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation and Chairman of the MMA Committee, said bringing the championship to Al Ain demonstrates the global sports community’s confidence in the UAE’s hosting capabilities. He also emphasised the country’s efforts to strengthen its sports infrastructure and expand event hosting across all emirates.
He noted that the addition of the Youth D category adds a valuable new aspect to the competition and supports the long-term goal of identifying and developing athletic talent from an early age.
“This initiative helps shape future champions by fostering a competitive spirit early on and preparing young athletes to proudly represent the UAE on the world stage,” Al Dhaheri said.
He expressed deep appreciation to the UAE’s leadership, especially H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his generous sponsorship, which he said serves as a major source of motivation for the youth to aim higher and boost the nation’s sporting achievements.
Kyle Wilson, head coach of the U.S. national team, shared that his delegation includes around 30 athletes and commended the excellent organisation of the championship.