The UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation is set to commence the first round of the President's Cup, a premier event in the local sporting calendar, taking place at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.

Scheduled for tomorrow, the competition will witness intense matchups in the categories for athletes over 18 years old and those under 21. These categories feature a high level of competition, showcasing a selection of athletes distinguished by their skills, experience, and ambition, rendering this tournament one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season.

Youssef Abdullah Al Bitaran, a member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation's Board of Directors, remarked that the tournament represents a significant milestone for athletes striving for excellence.

He highlighted that the President's Cup is the pinnacle of local tournaments, providing players with an ideal platform to test their capabilities, assess their development, and compete at the highest levels.

The categories for athletes over 18 and under 21 comprise players with substantial ambition to progress in their jiu-jitsu careers.

This commitment intensifies the competition, ensuring a fierce and engaging atmosphere.

The federation is committed to delivering an exceptional tournament in terms of technical and competitive levels, thereby enhancing the preparedness of the athletes for future challenges and significant achievements.

The matches will adopt an open belt system, allowing all competitors to compete within a single category regardless of their belt color.

This inclusive approach fosters a comprehensive competitive environment that enables all participants to display their skills and learn from more experienced opponents, thereby enriching their technical and skill development in jiu-jitsu.

Weigh-ins for the athletes will take place today and tomorrow at various locations across the country.

Clubs and academies are gearing up for the tournament by fielding some of their best athletes, aiming to accrue the highest points possible.

This focus has been evident in the intensive preparations and specific training programs that players have engaged in over the past few days.

Spectators can look forward to fierce competitions among clubs competing for the title, as the first round will lay the groundwork for the overall rankings that will determine which team is closest to claiming the championship in upcoming rounds.

Maged Al Sayed, Director of the Jiu-Jitsu Academy at Al Wahda Club, mentioned that players enter the President's Cup with aspirations of retaining the title, expressing confidence and readiness stemming from rigorous preparations.

He stated, "Our goal is to deliver a strong performance that befits Al Wahda Club's name.

We recognize the strength of the competition, but we are determined to defend the title with all our might, aiming for a new achievement that reflects the club's stature in the sport of jiu-jitsu."

In the previous edition of the tournament, there was intense competition among clubs, with Al Wahda Club clinching the men's title after an impressive performance.

Bani Yas Club secured second place, while Al Ain Club finished in third.