Crete, Greece, November 7, 2024 – The Saudi jiu-jitsu team made a powerful impact at the 2024 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, held from October 23 to November 4 in Crete, Greece. The team achieved an impressive haul of 10 medals, including 3 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze, marking a significant milestone for Saudi sports on the global stage.
The team's gold medalists displayed exceptional skill and determination in their respective divisions. Mohammed Al-Mukhlis dominated the Masters Division in the under-69 kg category, securing a gold medal through a series of skillful techniques and decisive matches. Omar Nada earned gold in the Senior Team Division's under-94 kg category, showing strong tactical acumen, while Abdullah Nada clinched victory in the Youth Division under-85 kg category, showcasing his promise as a rising star in the sport.
Silver medal performances came from Abdulmalik Al-Murdi in the Senior Team Division's under-62 kg category, Elias Banjar in the Youth Division’s under-62 kg category, and Waleed Al-Haidari in the Youth Division under-56 kg category. Each of these athletes demonstrated resilience and technical prowess, contending fiercely against top international competitors.
The Saudi team also celebrated four bronze medals. Osamah Al-Marwia took home a bronze in the “No Gi” category, demonstrating agility and skill in this particular style. Khaled Habab showed remarkable versatility by winning two bronze medals in the under-52 kg and “No Gi - 52 kg” categories within the Youth Division. Hadeel Qadha earned a bronze in the under-57 kg category in the Junior Division, completing the team’s well-rounded medal tally.
Rakan Al-Fehaid, Chief Executive of the Saudi Jiu-Jitsu Federation, commended the team’s remarkable achievements and attributed their success to the steadfast support of the Kingdom’s leadership for sports federations, coupled with extensive efforts in their training and preparation. Al-Fehaid emphasized that this success is part of a broader vision to elevate Saudi sports on the global stage, and he praised the athletes for their dedication and skill, which contributed to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s reputation in the international jiu-jitsu community.
The Saudi team’s accomplishments in Crete reflect both individual excellence and the nation's growing commitment to athletic development. As the sport of jiu-jitsu continues to gain popularity within Saudi Arabia, this victory reinforces the Kingdom’s emergence as a strong competitor in international martial arts competitions.
