(Photo WKF)
The 2025 Karate 1-Series A season came to a close in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with the spoils shared. But it was Japan who finished atop the medals table with five titles.
Japan’s Mashiro Ikeda closed the day in dominant fashion, defeating Madeleine Schroeter of Germany 6–0 in the Women’s Kumite -68kg final. Ikeda’s victory capped an impressive run through the competition, marking Japan’s final gold in the Kuala Lumpur event.
Iran’s Morteza Nemati produced a commanding performance to claim the gold medal in the Men’s Kumite -75kg category. Nemati overpowered Ernest Sharafutdinov of WKF-1 with a clear 6–1 victory. Nemati stayed composed, finishing the match with a confident lead and securing Iran’s last gold of the tournament.
In one of the most closely contested bouts of the day, China’s Li Gong triumphed over Kanon Irokawa of Japan 4–3 in the Women’s Kumite -61kg final. Gong’s quick counterattack in the last exchanges proved decisive, giving her a narrow win.
The Men’s Kumite -84kg final between Eduard Gasparian of WKF-1 and Ali Asghar Asiabari of Iran turned into a thrilling, all-out offensive clash. Gasparian emerged victorious 8–7 after a match filled with nonstop exchanges and shifting momentum. The fast-paced encounter kept spectators on edge and showcased the technical precision and determination that define the division.
Japan’s Mashiro Ikeda closed the day in dominant fashion, defeating Madeleine Schroeter of Germany 6–0 in the Women’s Kumite -68kg final. Ikeda’s victory capped an impressive run through the competition, marking Japan’s final gold in the Kuala Lumpur event.
The Kuala Lumpur leg concluded the 2025 Karate 1-Series A season, wrapping up a year of spirited performances across all weight categories. The Karate 1-Series A season will resume in January 2026 with the first event of the new year.
