150 to combat in Asian Super Cup Jiu-Jitsu
By Our Sports Reporter
13 December 2007
ABU DHABI — The inaugural Asian Super Cup for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has drawn more than 150 entries vying for a slice of the Dh100,000 prize money here at the Abu Dhabi Combat Club tomorrow and Saturday, starting at 2pm on both days.
The event under the patronage of Shaikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan is staged in conjunction with the Armed Forces Officers Club consists of nine weight categories including the open division.
“The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu championships we have conducted so far has been a success and the popularity is growing every year,” said Carlos Santos, event manager and head coach of the Emirates team, in a Press conference here at the Armed Forces Officers Club on Tuesday night.
“The response for the previous competitions was overwhelming and this championship has drawn a record entry. It’s the biggest event in the region, both on entries and the cash prizes.
“We have had excellent backing from the Armed Forces Officers Club. The sport is growing in popularity in the UAE and region, and we are looking forward to two exciting days of combats,” added the burly Brazilian, himself a three times world champion.
The championship is staged in two divisions and the weight categories consist of: Group A — 62kg and under, 68 and under, 74 and under, 80 and under, 86 and under, 98 and under, over-98 kg and an open event whereas; Group B — 66kg and under, 78 and under, 90 and under, over-90 and an open division.
Major General Mohammed Hilal Al Kaabi, deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces and chairman of the Armed Forces Officers Club, said the series of competitions staged so far in Abu Dhabi has drawn lot of interest among both, the national and expatriate community.
“We need to support anything that’s popular among the youth and sporting events that are medal prospects for the country. We wish the event all the success now and in the future,” he added. Present at the Press conference were Hamad Al Neyadi, managing director of Caracal and Adel Ali Abu Haleeqa, general manager, Abu Haleeqa Stores.
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