Ali Al-Najar, a prominent Emirati talent in jiu-jitsu, represents the national youth team and the Sharjah Combat Sports Club. His future looks promising, especially after winning a gold medal at the junior world championship held this month in Thailand in the 52 kg weight category. This is his second world championship gold medal, following one in Croatia, in addition to the bronze he won in Greece last year, making him one of the youngest athletes to podium at world jiu-jitsu championships.
Al-Najar managed to defeat players from South Korea, Kazakhstan, Romania, and the UAE, confirming that his next ambition is to win a gold medal at the black belt world championship when the opportunity arises, and that he will strive hard to achieve this goal.
Ali Al-Najar told "Al-Ittihad": "I was happy to see the UAE flag waving as I was awarded the gold medal in Thailand, a feeling that cannot be described. I also greatly appreciated the great support provided by the Sharjah Combat Sports Club, thanking the club's head coach and national youth team coach Ibrahim Al-Hosseini, describing him as a father and role model who has not fallen short with him, in addition to his praise for the Brazilian coach Felipe Sousa, who also contributed to his development."
Wrapping up, Al-Najar said: "I learned discipline, commitment, and persistence from jiu-jitsu, and all the beautiful qualities. This sport is an ideal way of life, and my ambitions will not stop at being a player, but I aspire to continue in it for a long time and to offer everything that is distinctive."
He dedicated this achievement to the UAE, the Jiu-Jitsu Federation, the sports family, and my uncle Mowfaq Al-Najar, who supported and cared for me until I reached this achievement, as well as to my brothers Hamdan, Khaled, and Mahmoud, and all family members. By the way, we and my uncle's sons are jiu-jitsu champions."
He added: "When I was awarded the gold medal, I realized the extent of my mother's happiness, who was waiting for me to achieve this success. My mother means everything to me, and the first thing that came to my mind upon winning was her image. She did not spare me advice and support, and provided me with everything that could help me succeed."
Al-Najar described the Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship as the secret of his success, as it fueled his ambition to become a world champion after winning it in 2023 and 2024.
