emirates7 - Top-class jiu-jitsu returns to the UAE capital this weekend with the prestigious Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup competition for under-16s. Taking place at the Jiu-Jitsu Arena, players from various clubs and academies are expected to take to the mats on 8th-9th April across numerous weight categories.

Organised by the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation (UAEJJF), the governing body for the sport in the country, the U-16 competitions will be open to athletes aged 14 and 15, with men competing in weight divisions of 46kg, 50kg, 55kg, 60kg, 66kg, 73kg, and 84kg; and women competing in weight divisions of 48kg, 57kg, and 69kg.

The fights begin Friday with a weigh-in session scheduled for between 16:00 and 18:00, followed by elimination rounds from 21:00. The final competitions and coronation ceremonies will be held on Saturday.

"We are pleased to launch the Jiu-Jitsu President’s Cup during the Holy Month," said Fahad Ali Al Shamsi, Secretary-General of the UAEJJF. "It is the most valuable tournament on the local scene and holds a special place in the hearts of participants and the Jiu-Jitsu community as a whole.

"This year, we've made some significant updates to the tournament system to improve competition levels and performance quality by separating the competitions for the U-16, U-18, and adults’ categories. The new format will ensure maximum representation of players and top-level competitions."

The previous edition of the President's Cup saw the addition of a women’s category resulting in outstanding performances by Emirati females. Palms Sports Academy Team 777 took first place in the adults’ category, Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took first place in the U-18 category, and Al Wahda took first place in the U-16 category. In the men’s category, Baniyas Club took first-place in the adults and U-18 categories, while Sharjah Self-Defence Sports Club took first-place in the U-16.