One More Medal For Hosts UAE At IMMAF Youth World Championships; Overall Tally Reaches 19
UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM – August 21, 2026
Abu Dhabi, ( Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir)) — The UAE Mixed Martial Arts National Team added another medal at the seventh IMMAF Youth World Championships as Youth A action kicked off on day five at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Ghala Al Hammadi secured silver in the Youth A Women’s 52.2kg division, pushing the UAE’s overall medal tally to 19, comprising six gold, six silver, and seven bronze.
The championship showcases over 1,100 athletes from 55 countries, culminating on Sunday.
Youth A is the final age category of the competition, featuring athletes aged 16-17. This level demands heightened physical and technical skills, requiring athletes to manage bouts, adapt to opponents, and perform under pressure.
Yousef Abdullah Al Batran, Board Member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, remarked,
"Hosting a championship of this magnitude bolsters Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier international sporting hub. Events like these also offer Abu Dhabi the chance to showcase its attractions to visitors from around the world."
He continued, "Thousands of athletes, coaches, and families visit Abu Dhabi during the championships. Beyond competition, they experience top-notch sporting facilities, tourist spots, and the emirate’s rich culture. The impact extends far beyond the event itself as delegations leave with unforgettable memories of their time here. We encourage them to explore more of the emirate while they’re in town."
Serhii Samoilenko, President of the Ukrainian Mixed Martial Arts Federation, expressed, "The World Championships are paramount for our team. The competition intensifies each year, and national teams consistently elevate their preparation methods. Ukraine has dominated, securing the World Championship title five years in a row. However, maintaining this position is more challenging than achieving it."
He emphasized the collective responsibility athletes feel when representing their nation.
UAE athlete Ghala Al Hammadi, the silver medallist, shared her preparations, "We diligently trained throughout the summer, even during our break. Each training session and every day of hard work led up to this moment. Before each bout, I focus on my strategy and listen to my coach. Competing in Abu Dhabi provides extra motivation as my family is here to support me. I am proud to represent the UAE."
