The 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships are set to take place in Tunis, Tunisia, from September 2 to 8. This prestigious event will gather the best young Karate athletes from across the continent, highlighting the growing popularity of Karate among youngsters in Africa.

For the first time since 2020, the UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships will be held as a stand-alone competition as over the past three years, the age-group tournament was combined with the senior championships. The age-group tournament was last held separately in Tangier, Morocco, in 2020. That edition saw participation from 300 athletes representing 21 countries, with Morocco emerging as the dominant force, clinching 15 gold medals. Egypt and Algeria followed in the medal tally, showcasing the competitive spirit and high level of talent among the young Karatekas.

 

The most recent joint continental championships were held in Casablanca, Morocco, last year, with the UFAK Senior Championships being held together with the African Games earlier this year. The 2023 UFAK Championships brought together 400 athletes from 24 countries. Once again, Morocco topped the medal table, securing 17 gold medals, followed by Egypt and Tunisia.

Seguis leyendo Top Young Karate Talents to Shine at 2024 UFAK Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Tunis

Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan has solidified his status as one of the top Male Kata athletes, winning his second consecutive Grand Winner award at the Karate 1 Premier League in Casablanca this week.

This season, Nishiyama has demonstrated unparalleled skill and consistency, clinching gold at all three events and qualifying for the final of #Karate1Casablanca on Sunday.

Nishiyama, the current continental champion and a bronze medallist at the World Championships, has steadily climbed to the number one position in the world rankings in kata. His journey to the pinnacle of the sport began in the Okayama prefecture, where he was born and started practising karate at the age of five, inspired by his father, also a karateka.

 

“I was attracted to karate for its silent and steady toughening-up exercises,” he has commented. Seguis leyendo Kakeru Nishiyama: Grand Winner, Kata hero and Firefighter Extraordinaire

 

The karate competition of the African Games in Accra, Ghana, reached its second day, featuring intense showdowns and skilful displays. This event, the pinnacle of karate in the continent, also serves as the platform to crown the champions of Africa.

Male Kata: Karim Ghaly Claims Victory for Egypt

In the Male Kata category, Karim Ghaly of Egypt showcased his mastery, clinching the gold medal. Ghaly’s precision outshone his opponent, Adam Rchouq of Morocco, securing victory with a score of 42.00 to 39.60.

Women Team Kata: Egypt Triumphs Over Morocco

Egypt continued its dominance in the Women Team Kata, where they faced off against Morocco. With synchronized movements and impeccable technique, the Egyptian team secured the win with a score of 41.70 to 39.90, solidifying their status as champions.

Seguis leyendo Karate at the African Games: Egypt and Algeria Shine on Day Two

 

The first Karate 1 – Youth League of the season concluded in Fujairah, UAE, with young karatekas from around the globe showcasing their talent and determination.

In the U14 Kata Female category, Anil Shariatpanahi of Armenia emerged victorious, defeating Sardari Yasna Talebizadeh of Iran with a score of 41.40 to 41.00. Meanwhile, in the U14 Kata Male division, Javoxir Djaxangirov of Uzbekistan clinched the title by outperforming Ibrahim Almulhim of Saudi Arabia with a score of 41.30 to 41.10.

 

Hana Belal Mahmoud of Egypt claimed the top spot in the U14 Kumite Female -42 kg category, securing victory over Joudy Elzoghby of Egypt with a score of 2-1. In the U14 Kumite Female -47 kg division, Ioana Balanescu of Romania emerged victorious after a closely contested match against Hanna Olschewski of Germany, by “Hantei” or decision (0-0)

Seguis leyendo Future Karate Champions Shine Bright: Thrilling Conclusion to Karate 1 Youth League in Fujairah

The city of Tbilisi in Georgia hosts the 2024 edition of the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships.

One of the most anticipated events in European Karate, the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships travel to Georgia for the first time. The event will be held at the New Sports Palace of the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi.

The venue is the largest sports hall complex in the country with a full capacity of 10,000 spectators and will act as the perfect setting for a record-breaking event.

Over 1100 athletes from 48 countries participated in the last edition of the event which was held in Larnaca (Cyprus). Spain topped the medal table of the 2023 edition of the event with 13 medals including 6 golds, followed by Italy and Ukraine with 17 and 8 medals, respectively.

2024 EKF CADET, JUNIOR & U21 CHAMPIONSH

https://www.wkf.net/news-center-new/ekf-cadet-junior-u21-championships-in-georgia/2358