Abdulmunem Alhashmi Re-elected President of Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union for Another Term
Abu Dhabi: In a show of unanimous support, Abdulmunem Alhashmi was re-elected as President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union (JJAU) for another term during the annual General Assembly meeting held today in Abu Dhabi. The meeting took place alongside the eighth Asian Jiu-Jitsu Championship and was attended by key figures in the world of Jiu-Jitsu.
Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, President of the Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), Joachim Thumfart, Director-General of JJIF, representatives of the Olympic Council of Asia, JJAU board members, and heads of National Federations from across Asia were present at the assembly.
Fahad Al Shamsi was also re-elected as Secretary-General of the Union, with Takamasa Watanabe and Tareq Al Bahri appointed as Deputy Secretary-General and treasurer of the union respectively. The assembly approved the new Executive Board for the Union, which includes Reda Monfaradi, President of the Bahrain Jiu-Jitsu Federation, as the First Vice President, along with five regional Vice Presidents from Mongolia, Thailand, Iraq, Kazakhstan, and India.
The meeting focused on various sport development initiatives across the continent, including referee training programs, anti-doping efforts, support for national federations, and plans for upcoming continental championships. One of the key highlights was the discussion around the 2024 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games scheduled for November 2024.
The assembly also noted a significant increase in the number of accredited referees in Asia, now totaling 45 referees from 15 countries. Plans were put in place to further increase the number of referees from member national federations, with a specific focus on enhancing support for events organized by these federations.
Abdulmunem Alhashmi expressed gratitude to the General Assembly for their trust and reiterated the commitment to developing the sport across Asia. He emphasized the importance of providing athletes with the care and opportunities they deserve, while also working towards establishing integrity and unity within the sport.
Fahad Al Shamsi praised Alhashmi’s leadership over the past decade, highlighting the achievements and growth witnessed under his tenure. He expressed confidence in the future of the sport and the potential for further advancements in the coming years.
Suresh Gopi, senior advisor of JJAU, commended the turnout and outcomes of the meeting, noting the democratic process at work within the organization. He expressed optimism for the future growth and development of Jiu-Jitsu in Asia based on the foundation laid during the assembly.
Overall, the re-election of Abdulmunem Alhashmi as President of the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Union signals a continued commitment to the sport’s growth and development in the region. With a strong leadership team in place, the future looks promising for Jiu-Jitsu across Asia.