PANAJI: Goa's Angela De Abreu Naik has been appointed as a referee for the prestigious 8th Asian Ju-jitsu Championship, slated to take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from May 3 to 8.
With an illustrious career in martial arts, Angela holds the esteemed title of World B Ju-jitsu referee in Contact Ju-jitsu and serves as a Continental A referee for Ju-jitsu fighting & Duo. Having officiated in four previous editions of the Asian Championship and three editions of the World Ju-jitsu Championship, she brings a wealth of experience to the table.
Angela's journey in martial arts is marked by her multifaceted roles as a player, coach, and referee. Notably, she made history as the first Indian woman grandmaster to achieve an 8th Dan Black Belt from Kukkiwon in Taekwondo. Additionally, she holds the distinction of being the first International Referee Class 1 in Taekwondo (Kyorugi & Poomsae), along with being an International Gold Medalist.
Her outstanding contributions to the sport were further recognised when she was honored and inducted into the International Taekwondo Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.
