Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Team Wins 10 Medals at World Championship

The Saudi national jiu-jitsu team secured 10 medals—3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze—at the 2024 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held in Crete, Greece, from October 23 to November 4. The official results, announced by the Saudi Press Agency, highlight the Kingdom’s growing prowess in international martial arts and reflect the broad support provided to sports federations under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Context and Background

The World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Crete attracted top athletes from around the globe, competing across various weight categories and divisions. Saudi Arabia’s participation is part of a broader national strategy to elevate its presence in international sports, backed by the Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation. This achievement follows years of investment in training facilities, coaching, and athlete development programs aimed at nurturing talent from grassroots to elite levels.

Key Details

The gold medals were claimed by Mohammed Al-Mukhlis in the under-69 kg category (Masters Division), Omar Nada in the under-94 kg category (Senior Team Division), and Abdullah Nada in the under-85 kg category (Youth Division). Silver medals were won by Abdulmalik Al-Murdi (under-62 kg, Senior Team Division), Elias Banjar (under-62 kg, Youth Division), and Waleed Al-Haidari (under-56 kg, Youth Division). Bronze medals went to Osamah Al-Marwia in the “No Gi” category, Khaled Habab, who earned two bronze medals in the under-52 kg and “No Gi – 52 kg” categories (Youth Division), and Hadeel Qadha in the under-57 kg category (Junior Division).

Rakan Al-Fehaid, CEO of the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation, attributed the success to the unwavering support of the Kingdom’s leadership for sports federations and the cumulative efforts during the preparation period. He noted that this support played a significant role in elevating the Kingdom’s name on the global stage.

Implications and Impact

This medal haul underscores Saudi Arabia’s rising status in combat sports and serves as inspiration for young athletes across the Kingdom. It also demonstrates the effectiveness of the nation’s sports development programs, which are designed to identify and nurture talent. The success in Greece is expected to boost participation in jiu-jitsu at local clubs and schools, further integrating the sport into Saudi Arabia’s athletic culture.

Vision 2030 Alignment

This achievement aligns with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program, which seeks to enhance sports participation and promote a healthy lifestyle among Saudis. By excelling on the world stage, the Saudi jiu-jitsu team not only brings pride to the nation but also contributes to the Kingdom’s broader goals of international engagement and youth empowerment. As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in sports, such successes will play a vital role in inspiring future generations and strengthening the Kingdom’s global sporting presence.

20 Questions

Q1. What was the total number of medals won by the Saudi jiu-jitsu team at the World Championship in Greece?

A1. The Saudi team won a total of 10 medals: 3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze.

Q2. In which city and country was the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship held?

A2. The championship took place in Crete, Greece.

Q3. What were the dates of the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship?

A3. The event was held from October 23 to November 4, 2024.

Q4. Who won the gold medal in the under-69 kg Masters Division?

A4. Mohammed Al-Mukhlis won the gold medal in the under-69 kg Masters Division.

Q5. Who won the gold medal in the under-94 kg Senior Team Division?

A5. Omar Nada won the gold medal in the under-94 kg Senior Team Division.

Q6. Who won the gold medal in the under-85 kg Youth Division?

A6. Abdullah Nada won the gold medal in the under-85 kg Youth Division.

Q7. Who were the silver medalists for Saudi Arabia?

A7. The silver medalists were Abdulmalik Al-Murdi (under-62 kg, Senior), Elias Banjar (under-62 kg, Youth), and Waleed Al-Haidari (under-56 kg, Youth).

Q8. Which Saudi athlete won two bronze medals?

A8. Khaled Habab won two bronze medals in the under-52 kg and No Gi – 52 kg categories (Youth Division).

Q9. Who won the bronze medal in the No Gi category?

A9. Osamah Al-Marwia won the bronze medal in the No Gi category.

Q10. Who won the bronze medal in the under-57 kg Junior Division?

A10. Hadeel Qadha won the bronze medal in the under-57 kg Junior Division.

Q11. What did Rakan Al-Fehaid attribute the team’s success to?

A11. He attributed it to the unwavering support of the wise leadership for sports federations and cumulative preparation efforts.

Q12. What is Rakan Al-Fehaid’s role in the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation?

A12. Rakan Al-Fehaid is the chief executive officer of the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation.

Q13. How does this achievement align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A13. It aligns with Vision 2030’s Quality of Life program, promoting sports participation and a healthy lifestyle.

Q14. What impact might this success have on youth in Saudi Arabia?

A14. It is expected to inspire young athletes and boost participation in jiu-jitsu at local clubs and schools.

Q15. Which Saudi government body supports the jiu-jitsu team?

A15. The Ministry of Sport and the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation support the team.

Q16. How many gold medals did Saudi Arabia win?

A16. Saudi Arabia won 3 gold medals.

Q17. How many silver medals did Saudi Arabia win?

A17. Saudi Arabia won 3 silver medals.

Q18. How many bronze medals did Saudi Arabia win?

A18. Saudi Arabia won 4 bronze medals.

Q19. What division did Mohammed Al-Mukhlis compete in?

A19. He competed in the Masters Division under-69 kg category.

Q20. What does this achievement demonstrate about Saudi sports?

A20. It demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing prowess in international martial arts and the effectiveness of its sports development programs.

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