The seventh edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships has officially commenced at Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Arena. The tournament, which runs through August 23, features a record-setting field of more than 1,100 athletes representing 55 different countries.
Organized by the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) in partnership with the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, the event marks the fifth consecutive year that Abu Dhabi has hosted the competition. Organizers have confirmed that all technical, administrative, and logistical preparations are finalized, ensuring the venue is ready to accommodate the week-long schedule of bouts.
The tournament structure is divided into four age-based categories. Action began with the Youth D division for competitors aged 10–11, with the Youth C category for those aged 12–13 scheduled for August 18. The Youth B division, covering ages 14–15, will take place on August 19 and 20, while the final three days of the event will be dedicated to the Youth A category for athletes aged 16–17. The UAE National Team is represented by a squad of 47 fighters across these divisions, with 19 athletes competing during the opening day’s Youth D matches.
Reflecting on the event’s growth, IMMAF President Kerrith Brown expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing collaboration with the local federation. “We are delighted to stage the seventh edition of the IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi, which is hosting the event for the fifth consecutive year,” Brown stated. He noted that the partnership has been instrumental in the championship’s year-over-year development, evidenced by the rising number of participating nations and athletes.
Mohammed Bin Dalmouj Al Dhaheri, a board member of the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, emphasized the extensive planning required to manage a tournament of this scale. “The work behind a successful championship begins long before the first bout,” he explained. “With more than 1,100 athletes and seven days of competition, our focus is on making sure everything runs smoothly from start to finish.” Al Dhaheri added that the organizing committee has leveraged experience from previous years to ensure operational excellence, further cementing Abu Dhabi’s standing as a premier destination for international sporting events.
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