Saeed Al Kubaisi dedicates jiu-jitsu gold medal to martyrs 'who have laid their lives for my motherland'

Three-day Al Shaheed Jiu-Jitsu Championship that concluded Saturday draws more than 1,200 competitors

Abu Dhabi, November, 24, 2018: (L-Black ) Saeed Al Kubaisi of Al Wahda Club and (R-White ) Obaid Salem Al Shamssi of Al Ain clib   compete in the Al Shaheed Championship in the Mubadala Arena at the Zayed Sports City in Abu Dhabi. Satish Kumar for the National/ Story by Amit Pasella
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It was more about solidarity than winning medals for those who competed in the Al Shaheed (Martyrs) Jiu-Jitsu Championship, dedicated to honouring the memories of those who lost their lives in service to their country.

The three-day championship drew more than 1,200 entries in the boys and girls age-group competition which concluded at the Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi on Saturday.

Saeed Al Kubaisi was one of the winners of the 250 finals, dedicating his gold medal in the male teen orange/green belt 84-kilogram final to the UAE Armed Forces.

“I have won a few medals before but this one is very special, and it always will be, because it will remind me of those who have laid their lives for my motherland,” he said.

“I know a few of my friends who lost their near and dear ones, and I know what it means.

“The competition itself was as tough as any other. Fortunately for me, there were only two opponents in my division. Obviously very happy with the result.”

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Representing Al Wahda Club, Al Kubaisi edged out Obaid Salem Al Shamsi by advantage points 3-0 in the final.

Mahra Al Hanaei, silver medallist at the Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang in August, was one of the high-profile fighters in the female division. She won all her three fights by submission en route to her fourth gold medal of the season.

Al Hanaei outclassed Hend Al Hammadi in the female juvenile blue belt 57kg final after victories over Hajar Al Marzouqi and Meena Al Mazrouie.

She struck gold at the Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro two weeks ago and had earlier won medals at The Mother of Nations Championship and the Al Ain International.

Her national team colleague, Bashayar Al Matrooshi, had similar success in the female juvenile blue belt 63kg division with victories over Reem Al Mehairbi, Athari Al Shamsi and Lateefa Sanqour in the final.

Hana Al Hanaei, Mahra's younger sibling, had to settle for silver behind Balqees Abdulla by advantage points 4-1 in the teen orange/green belt 44kg final.

Other female winners included Fatima Al Marar (40kg), Shamma Al Memari (44kg), Hamda Al Shkeili (48kg), Asma Al Hosani (52kg), Fakhera Al Mansoori (70kg) and Fatema Al Jallaf (82kg).