QUBBAJ FIGHTING TO STAY ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Jordan’s multiple World Ju-Jitsu Champion Lama Qubbaj has reiterated her desire to end the summer as the world’s No 1 female heavyweight with just days to go until she heads to the World Games in Wroclaw, Poland.

The 29-year-old has returned from intensive training in New York in order to be ready to compete on her biggest stage yet between July 20–30.

Qubbaj revealed to the Jordan Olympic Committee’s website that the New York camp pushed her to her physical and mental limits.

“It was a successful camp from all aspects, but the training was very demanding throughout the month as I sparred every day with the biggest names of the sport. It was so tough but it will help me to be ready for what’s next,” she said.

The 2015 and 2016 World Champion has become one of the sport’s biggest names over the past four years, but admits that the World Games, which represents sports and disciplines not included on the Olympic roster, is her biggest challenge yet.

“I have participated in most International tournaments over the past four years and achieved multiple awards on an International level, but my presence in the World Games has to be the most important and I aim to make it special,” she said

Despite it being her first appearance at the event, Qubbaj has high expectations.

“I think what’s difficult is not just reaching the top, but staying there,” she said. “The competition in Poland will not be easy at all but I will try my hardest to maintain my world rank and get a medal.”

Having only taken up the sport five years ago after following the advice of her coach Sami Al Jamal, her rise to the top has been nothing short of sensational with her first international title coming within just six months.

Qubbaj had to come through a tough qualifying period to reach the World Games, and will joined in Poland by teammate Haidar Rasheed (Ju-Jitsu). Jordan will also be represented there by Ali Khalaf and Bara’ Al-Absi (Kickboxing) and Mohammad Salameh (Muay Thai).