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- Dubai 04:24 05:43 12:19 15:46 18:51 20:09
Abdulmunam Al Hashmi presents a token of appreciation to Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee. (SUPPLIED)
Jiu Jitsu does not yet figure in the Olympic Games but that may change, judging by the rapid growth and impact the sport has created.
Abdulmunam Al Hashmi, president of both the Asian Jiu Jitsu Union and the UAE Jiu Jitsu Federation, discussed the development programme and the popularity of the sport with the International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach during his visit to the Gulf.
Al Hashmi met the IOC president on the sideline of a meeting with the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC), headed by its President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, which was attended by several international sports officials.
The meeting was hosted by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) which Sheikh Ahmad also heads.
“Jiu Jitsu to be included in the Olympic Games is a long way off but at least we were able to discuss the work we are doing to broaden the horizons of the sport with the members of the IOC and ANOC,” Al Hashmi said on his return from Kuwait.
“There are various norms to be fulfilled even before Jiu Jitsu is considered an Olympic sport. It requires a considerable amount of work but we have drawn up wide ranging plans to achieve our objectives.
“We have to work a lot to broaden the base of the game around the world with the help of the Jiu Jitsu International Federation (JJIF). We will build a family atmosphere on solid foundations we have already established.”
Al Hashmi emphasized the support and backing of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
“Sheikh Mohammed has taken an active role to promote the sport worldwide, and particularly in the UAE where there are more than 35,000 practicing the martial art,” he said.
Jiu Jitsu is on the World Games roster and the launch of the Asian Jiu Jitsu Union is expected to give a fillip to the Jiu Jitsu International Federation’s efforts to get the sport included in the Olympics.
The UAE have taken the lead in developing and promoting the sport around the world by organising international competitions of which the highlight is the World Professional Championship in Abu Dhabi from April 15 to 19.
Jiu Jitsu is on the World Games roster and the establishment of the Asian union in January is expected to give more leverage to JJIF’s efforts to get the sport included in the Olympics.
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