UAE embassy supports Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour in Beijing

By Zhang Liying: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, June 21, 2021

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Organizer representatives and guests pose for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour in Beijing, June 19, 2021. [Photo courtesy of the UAE Embassy to China]

With support from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to China, the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour (AJP) hosted its first China regional event of the 2021 season on Saturday in Beijing.

UAE Ambassador to China Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the sporting event, saying, "Since the formation of the UAE in 1971, the political leadership has given every attention to the sports sector's growth, welfare, and institutionalization in view of the significant role it plays in the nation's development and advancement."

"I am also very happy that our beloved sport jiu-jitsu has a massive following in China and is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world," the ambassador added.

Athletes fight at the Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro Tour in Beijing, June 19, 2021. [Photo courtesy of the UAE Embassy to China]

Zhang Weili, the first Chinese Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) champion, and Li Jingliang, China's most successful male UFC fighter, also attended the ceremony.

Jiu-jitsu, a traditional grappling martial art originating in the East, has found tremendous appeal among modern practitioners, becoming one of the world's fastest-growing martial arts and sports in recent years. It is estimated that there are now more than 20 million practitioners worldwide, including a large grassroots following in China.

Established in 2009, the AJP has developed into one of the most influential jiu-jitsu tournaments in the world and a flagship sporting event of the UAE. With events in almost every country and across six continents, the AJP tournament has become a proving ground for the world's best jiu-jitsu athletes.