Abu dhabi: The AJP Tour Asia Continental Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2026 - GI commenced today at Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, drawing over 2,000 male and female athletes from 90 countries. Organised by Abu Dhabi Jiu-Jitsu Pro (AJP), the event is set to continue over three days, concluding on September 6th, and is sponsored by EDGE Group. The championship includes a variety of categories such as amateur, masters, junior, youth, and professional.

According to Emirates News Agency, the opening day focused on the Masters category, where Brazilian athlete Bruno Borges, representing the Abu Dhabi Police Team, clinched a gold medal in his division. The UAE emerged as the leader in the overall country standings after the first day's events, accumulating 80,720 points. Brazil followed with 55,800 points, and Colombia secured third place with 36,100 points.

In the academy rankings, UAE academies also demonstrated strong performances. The Commando Group led with 79,800 points, followed by M.O.D UAE with 36,120 points, and Al Jazira Jiu-Jitsu Club with 14,900 points. Tareq Al Bahri, General Manager of AJP, highlighted the participation of athletes from numerous countries as a testament to Abu Dhabi's esteemed status in the global jiu-jitsu arena and the increasing international trust in AJP championships.

Al Bahri remarked that the championship serves as a platform for various jiu-jitsu schools to converge, offering athletes opportunities to compete, enhance their skills, and elevate their technical prowess. Borges expressed the significance of his victory, noting the high level of competition and the convergence of seasoned athletes from around the world. He praised Abu Dhabi for its exceptional environment, quality organisation, and robust support for athletes in the sport of jiu-jitsu.

The championship is set to continue tomorrow, culminating on September 6th, as athletes vie for top honors and contribute to their respective countries' standings.