UAE Jiu-Jitsu Team Triumphs at Asian Games with Record-Breaking Medal Haul

The UAE's jiu-jitsu team concluded a hugely successful campaign at the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games 2026, finishing with eight medals which included a record five golds, two silvers and one bronze.

The UAE's strong performance at the Games was led by Balqees Al Hashmi (women’s 48kg), Khaled Al Shehhi (men’s 62kg), Ahmed Andeez (men’s 69kg), Mahdi Al Awlaqi (men’s 77kg) and Asma Al Hosani (women’s 52kg). Al Anoud Al Harbi (women’s 48kg) and Omar Al Suwaidi (men’s 62kg) won silver, while Amaar Al Hosani (men’s 94kg) claimed bronze. The UAE thus continued their remarkable growth in the sport, following two gold medals at the 2018 Jakarta Games and four at Hangzhou 2023 before securing a record five at Aichi-Nagoya.

Khaled Al Shehhi, who won gold by defeating compatriot Omar Al Suwaidi, expressed pride in being part of the victorious contingent. “I am proud to have won my second consecutive title on my second Asian Games appearance. This is an important milestone in my career. I dedicate this gold to the UAE’s leadership, my family, my coach and my national teammates. This medal is the start of a long journey of hard work,” he stated.

Asma Al Hosani retained her Asian Games women’s 52kg title with a victory over South Korea’s Eonju Im. Reflecting on her success, she shared: “The pride I felt when our national anthem played on the podium is hard to describe. It was about more than winning gold. I was part of a delegation that brought joy to the people of the UAE and turned our ambitions into results.”

Al Anoud Al Harbi, who finished with silver after facing Balqees Al Hashmi in an all-Emirati final, noted how far the sport has progressed in the country. “The all-Emirati final showed how far jiu-jitsu has developed in the UAE and how many talented male and female athletes we have who can compete at the highest level,” she said.

The final day of competition was attended by several notable figures, including Shihab Ahmed Mohamed Abdulrahim Al Faheem, UAE ambassador to Japan, Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri, vice-chairman of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu Federation, and Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, board member of UAEJJF. Praising the squad, Mohamed Salem Al Dhaheri stated that the achievements were the result of careful planning, consistent hard work, and the dedication of the entire team and leadership.