Kuwait’s Sayed Salman Almosawi (Photo WKF)
Rio Hori and Yosuke Abe gave Japan a golden start at the Karate One Series A Salzburg. The two golds saw Japan claim a morale boosting start as Kuwait and Czech Republic claiming the other two titles at stake on the opening day.
Ria Hori dominates Female Kata final
Japan’s Ria Hori took the Female Kata title after a clear 5-0 victory over Belgium’s Chiara Manca. Hori controlled the final from the start to claim the first women’s title of the competition.
Yosuke Abe takes Male Kumite 84+ Kg gold
Japan’s Yosuke Abe became the champion in Male Kumite 84+ Kg. Abe beat Ukraine’s Rizvan Talibov 4-1 in the final to add another title to Japan’s results on the opening day.
Sayed Salman Almosawi claims Male Kata title
Kuwait’s Sayed Salman Almosawi won the first title of the event in Male Kata. He defeated Portugal’s Mateus Vasco 4-1 in the final to secure the gold medal.
Lucija Lesjak wins close Female Kumite 68+ Kg final
Croatia’s Lucija Lesjak won the most closely contested final of the day in Female Kumite 68+ Kg. Lesjak edged France’s Zera Jade Ozserttas 8-6 in an attacking final that remained undecided until the closing stages.
The four finals set the tone for the final Karate One Series A event of 2026, with more champions to be crowned as competition continues in Salzburg.
