UAE Jiu-Jitsu team finishes Asian Games with record five-gold haul

The UAE Jiu-Jitsu National Team has finished its campaign at Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 with eight medals, including a record five golds, two silvers and one bronze.

It's the team’s best-ever gold medal tally at the Asian Games.

The UAE’s gold medallists were Balqees Alhashmi (women’s 48kg), Khaled Al Shehhi (men’s 62kg), Ahmed Andeez (men’s 69kg), Mahdi Al Awlaqi (men’s 77kg) and Asma Alhosani (women’s 52kg). Al Anoud Al Harbi (women’s 48kg) and Omar Al Suwaidi (men’s 62kg) won silver, while Amaar Alhosani (men’s 94kg) claimed bronze.

The result marked another milestone in the UAE’s Asian Games history. The team won two jiu-jitsu golds at Jakarta 2018 and four at Hangzhou 2023 before securing a record five at Aichi-Nagoya 2026. The steady improvement reflects years of preparation and investment in athletes and the teams supporting them.

“Our participation was successful in every respect, and we achieved the targets we set before the competition. At the federation, our aim is always to finish first at every championship," said Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, Vice Chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation.

“These results came from careful planning, consistent work and the efforts of our athletes, coaches and administrative staff."

Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, highlighted that "preparations began several months before the Games. The programme included technical, physical and mental preparation, as well as overseas training camps. We will continue building on this progress and working towards further success.

"These results were a team effort involving everyone in the UAE jiu-jitsu scene. I thank the athletes, coaches and administrative staff, as well as the clubs, academies and families who play such an important role in developing champions.

“The federation follows a clear strategy aimed at leading the rankings, and our results at continental and international championships reflect that approach. Consistent success has become a culture of UAE sport, supported by careful planning and the Federation’s long-term vision," he stated.