Israel wrapped up a highly successful showing at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in Abu Dhabi over the weekend, with athletes earning medals and recording strong finishes across all age categories, from the youth divisions to the senior ranks.
On the final day of competition, Nimrod Ryder added another medal to Israel’s haul, winning bronze in the senior men’s under-85-kilogram division. Ryder, a two-time gold medalist at the World Games and one of Israel’s leading jiu-jitsu athletes, capped an impressive championship for the delegation with another podium finish.
The senior competition also saw Maya Bachar, 20, win a silver medal in her World Championships debut at the senior level.
Bachar reached the final, where she faced the reigning world champion from the United Arab Emirates in an extremely close bout that was decided only in the final seconds. The competitive final brought the Abu Dhabi crowd to its feet as the two athletes were applauded for their high level of performance.
Noga Reshef finished fifth in the women’s under-63kg division, while Maya Dai placed fifth in the under-52 kg division. Mark Lipetz, Omri Haviv, and Miter Rosenfeld also finished fifth after losing their respective semifinal bouts in the under-56 kg, under-62 kg, under-69 kg, and under-77 kg categories.
Israel's young athletes take home silver and bronze
Israel’s younger athletes also enjoyed considerable success throughout the championships.
Noga Reshef and Lia Shale won gold medals in the Gi divisions, while Israel’s cadet and junior athletes produced a series of impressive results in the No-Gi competition. Guy Torres was crowned world champion in the under-18 division, while Eden Gamliel and Shalev Shnir won silver medals and Tamir Naim took bronze.
Additional Israeli athletes recorded strong finishes throughout the championship, giving the delegation medals and high placements across the under-16, under-18, under-21, and senior categories.
Israeli ambassador to the UAE praises delegation’s success
Israeli Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates Yossi Shelley followed the delegation during a significant portion of the championships, attending the competition, watching the Israeli athletes in action, and encouraging both the competitors and coaching staff. Shelley also took part in the medal ceremonies, presenting Israeli athletes with their medals on the podium.
“This was a very successful World Championship for us, with achievements across all age groups and an important bronze medal for Nimrod in the senior competition,” said Erez Elroy, president of the Israel Jiu-Jitsu Association. “Alongside the medal winners, we had many athletes who performed at a high level and came very close to reaching the podium. The results reflect the professional work, preparation, and commitment of the athletes and coaching staff.
“I would like to thank the professional staff for their support throughout the championships, Eilat for its professional support and assistance, and Israeli Ambassador Yossi Shelley for his warm support of the national team.”
Arik Kaplan, president and CEO of Ayelet, the umbrella organization for Israel’s non-Olympic sports, also praised the delegation’s performance.
“The Israeli national team demonstrated impressive depth in Abu Dhabi, from the next generation of athletes to the very top of the senior ranks,” Kaplan said. “The medals, high finishes, and Israeli presence on the podium are a tremendous source of pride. Congratulations to Nimrod and all the athletes in the delegation, and thank you to the association, coaches, and everyone who works throughout the year to enable Israeli athletes to compete and succeed at the highest levels of world sport.
“Ayelet will continue to support and develop jiu-jitsu in Israel, a sport that brings Israeli pride around the world.”