Zamzam Al Hammadi, 17, achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female Youth World Champion from the UAE. Her victory was celebrated by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who awarded her the medal. Zamzam expressed her joy, emphasizing the significance of the win for her and her sister. Her path to the championship was marked by impressive victories, including submissions against competitors from the United States and Ireland.
Ghala Al Hammadi, 15, also secured a gold medal, marking her rise in the MMA world. Ghala made headlines with her record-breaking armbar in the group stages, the fastest in IMMAF women's Youth MMA history. Both sisters attribute their success to their extensive training in jiu-jitsu, a sport deeply embedded in their family.
The UAE's success extended beyond the Al Hammadi sisters. The national team performed admirably, securing additional medals in various weight categories. Saeed Al Nuaimi and Salem Al Hamoud won silver medals, while Hamdan Al Najar, Saif Al Hammadi, and Omar Al Raeesi earned bronze in their respective categories.
The championships saw fierce competition, with Ukraine leading the medal tally, followed by significant performances from Tajikistan, the USA, and Ireland. The event highlighted the growing prominence of MMA in the UAE and the Middle East, with the Al Hammadi sisters standing out as rising stars poised to make their mark on the global stage.
The Al Hammadi sisters' achievements underline the UAE's commitment to nurturing young talent in martial arts. Their success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating the rewards of dedication and hard work in the pursuit of excellence in sports.