Kakeru Nishiyama (Photo WKF)
The Karate One Premier League in Istanbul delivered drama from start to finish with Grand Winners Kakeru Nishiyama, Youssef Badawy and Mahmoud Taha were the Grand Winners among those prevailing against a stacked competition.
Kakeru Nishiyama Sets Up All-Japan Male Kata Final
Male Kata saw a high-level Japanese duel take shape. Grand Winner Kakeru Nishiyama showed his authority with a dominant 7–0 win over Kotaro Ohata of Japan.
Nishiyama is the reigning world champion and current Grand Winner. He now moves into yet another final as he continues his long run of success in the category.
On the other side of the bracket, Kazumasa Moto reached his first Karate One Premier League final since winning the title in Fukuoka in 2023. He edged Ariel Torres Gutierrez of the United States 4–3 in a tight and tense semifinal.
Fatma Naz Yenen Carries Home Hopes in Women’s -61 kg
The home crowd had plenty to cheer as Fatma Naz Yenen of Türkiye booked her place in the final. She drew 3–3 with Aizhan Bakirova of Kazakhstan but advanced by senshu, the first unopposed point.
It is her second Karate One Premier League final after taking silver in Dublin in 2023, following her run to world championship silver the same year.
She faced Maryam Ajaray of Belgium, who also progressed by senshu after a 1–1 draw with Rahma Tolba of Egypt.
This was Ajaray’s first Karate One Premier League final, adding a new milestone to her career after two golds in the Series A events.
Youssef Badawy Stays on Course in Men’s -84 kg
Men’s -84 kg confirmed its status as one of the toughest divisions. Grand Winner Youssef Badawy of Egypt underlined his position as the man to beat with a solid 3–1 win over Eduard Gasparian, competing under the WKF-1 flag.
The reigning world champion and current Grand Winner looked sharp and controlled throughout.
In the other semifinal, Omar Osman of Egypt drew 1–1 with Rikito Shimada of Japan and advanced by senshu. Osman, the current continental champion, now reaches another major final after taking bronze in Cairo last season.
Hadir Hendy Returns to the Final in Women’s -68 kg
Women’s -68 kg produced two strong performances. Hadir Hendy of Egypt secured her place in the final with a narrow 3–2 win over Vlera Qerimi of Kosovo.
It is her second Karate One Premier League final after earning silver in Rabat in 2025. She will meet Nisrine Brouk of Morocco, who delivered one of the most convincing wins of the day, defeating Eda Eltemur of Türkiye 6–1.
This was Brouk’s third Karate One Premier League final, building on her silver medal run in Cairo last year.
Mahmoud Taha Advances After Tactical Heavyweight Battle
Grand Winner Mahmoud Taha of Egypt progressed to the final of Men’s +84kg after a scoreless bout against fellow Egyptian Hazem Mohamed, earning the decision by hantei.
The reigning Grand Winner and continental champion once again showed his consistency, extending a run that saw him medal at every Karate One Premier League event last season.
He faced Rodrigo Rojas of Chile, who advanced after a dramatic 7–7 draw with Ahmed Elmasry of Egypt, moving on by senshu. It marked Rojas’ first Karate One Premier League final since his silver medal in Dublin in 2023.
Arika Gurung Makes History in Women’s +68 kg
Women’s +68 kg delivered one of the standout stories of the day. Arika Gurung of Nepal reached her first Karate One Premier League final with a strong 4–1 win over Rochelle Walters of England.
After making history with a bronze medal in Rabat last year, she now takes another major step forward. Waiting for her in the final is Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan, who defeated Nikolina Golombos of Croatia 3–1.
The continental champion and world championship runner-up returned to a Karate One Premier League final for the first time since taking silver in Paris in 2025.
