(Photo WKF)
Egypt and Iran topped the gold medal table in the closing divisions, underlining their steady investment in youth development at the Karate One Youth League in Fujairah.
Junior Kumite Female -48 kg – Ghazal Fathi Cheshmeh Edges Tight Final
Ghazal Fathi Cheshmeh of Iran earned gold with a narrow 1-0 victory against Noor Abdelaziz of Egypt. It was a tactical contest with limited openings. One clean score made the difference.
Junior Kumite Female -59 kg – Jana Hazem Elsayed Strikes Again
Jana Hazem Elsayed of Egypt added a gold to her record with a 2-2 victory on senshu against Hannah Bath Soendergaard of Denmark. With the score tied, Elsayed advanced thanks to scoring first.
Junior Kumite Male 76+ kg – Ihsane Adjanonhoun Stands Tall
Ihsane Adjanonhoun of Benin claimed gold in the +76 kg division after a focused 5-3 win over Amor Albargawi of Saudi Arabia. Adjanonhoun controlled the pace and scored early, forcing Albargawi to chase the bout. Adjanonhoun stayed composed to secure the title.
Junior Kumite Male -61 kg – Suxrob Sadullayev Seals It Late
Suxrob Sadullayev of Uzbekistan secured gold with a tight 1-0 win over Mohammad Al Najjar of Jordan. The bout was cautious, with both athletes waiting for the right moment. Sadullayev found the decisive point and defended it with discipline until the final seconds.
Junior Kumite Male -68 kg – Hatem Alharasees Wins on Warnings
Hatem Alharasees of Jordan took gold after Rayan Zouein of Belgium was disqualified due to excess warnings. The match was tense and physical. With penalties deciding the outcome, Alharasees maintained control and composure to claim the title.
Cadet Kata Male – Martin Vercimak Takes Narrow Victory
Martin Vercimak of Slovakia won the cadet kata final 3-2 against Marcus Wong Kin Ho of Hong Kong, China. Both athletes delivered sharp and precise performances. Judges were split, but Vercimak’s strong rhythm and clean technique earned him the edge.
Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg – Selda Meyen Adds Cadet Gold
Selda Meyen of Germany captured gold in the cadet -61 kg division, overcoming Malak Ragab Hassan of Egypt by Hantei or decision. With the match finishing scoreless, Meyen won the final vote of the central referee to claim the title.
Junior Kumite Female -53 kg – Veronika Gashnikova Dominates
Veronika Gashnikova of WKF-1 delivered one of the most decisive wins of the day, defeating Elisa Vauchelle of Italy 9-0. Gashnikova took control from the first exchange and built a clear lead. Her speed and timing left no room for a comeback.
Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg – Ana Marie Barukcic in Control
Ana Marie Barukcic of Croatia secured a clear 4-0 victory over Farah Elbers of Egypt. Barukcic dictated the tempo from the start and built her lead with clean attacks. Elbers tried to respond but could not break through Croatia’s disciplined defence.
