Israeli Athlete Nimrod Raider Wins Bronze at World Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi

The Israeli national jiu-jitsu team concluded a successful World Championship in Abu Dhabi, highlighted by Nimrod Raider securing a bronze medal in the under-85 kg category on the final competition day, August 8, 2026. Raider, a double gold medalist from the World Games and one of Israel's top jiu-jitsu athletes, added this achievement to his growing list of accolades, contributing to a strong overall team performance across all age groups, including under-16, under-18, under-21, and senior levels.

In the senior category, 20-year-old Maya Bechar earned a silver medal in her first World Championship final after a close match against the reigning world champion from the United Arab Emirates. Other competitors such as Saar Shemesh and Roy Dagan reached bronze medal bouts but finished fifth in their heavyweight divisions. Additional notable performances included fifth-place finishes by Noga Reshef, Maya Day, Mark Lipetz, Omri Haviv, and Meitar Rosenfeld.

Among the youth categories, Noga Reshef and Leah Shalev won gold medals in the gi division, while the cadet and youth teams achieved multiple medals in the No-Gi events. Standout winners included Guy Torres, crowned under-18 world champion, Eden Gamliel and Shalev Shnir with silver medals, and Tamir Naim with bronze. Throughout the championship, Israeli athletes collected numerous medals and commendable results.

Israeli Ambassador to the UAE, Yossi Shelly, supported the team by attending many competition days, encouraging athletes and staff, and personally presenting medals during award ceremonies. Eran Elroi, president of the Israeli Jiu-Jitsu Federation, praised the team’s professional preparation and commitment, thanking the coaching staff, the "Eilat" sports federation, and Ambassador Shelly for their support. Eric Kaplan, president and CEO of "Eilat," highlighted the depth of Israeli talent from youth to senior levels and pledged continued support for the sport’s development in Israel, emphasizing the pride brought by Israeli jiu-jitsu on the global stage.