(Photo WKF)
The first day of the Karate One Youth League Harare 2026 opened with strong performances and a historic milestone for the sport. The event in Harare is the first World Karate Federation Karate One Youth League tournament ever held in Africa.
Young athletes from around the world competed on day one, showing the growing strength of youth karate across the African continent and beyond.
Junior Kata Male
Nolan Schedel of Switzerland claimed the gold medal in Junior Kata Male after a clear 5–0 victory against Shivaan Ramdhial of South Africa. Schedel delivered a sharp and controlled performance in the final, convincing all five judges.
Junior Kata Female
Nika Afendikova from Ukraine won the Junior Kata Female title after defeating Linnea Assmann of Germany with a 4–1 score. Afendikova showed precise technique and confident rhythm in the final, gaining the advantage with four judges in her favour.
Junior Kumite Male -55 kg
The Junior Kumite Male -55 kg final was an all-Turkmenistan match. Jora Ovezmyradov secured the gold medal with a narrow 3–2 win over Gurbannazar Amandurdyyev. The bout remained close until the final seconds, with both fighters exchanging points.
Junior Kumite Male 76 kg
Rio Cruz of South Africa celebrated a strong victory in the Junior Kumite Male 76 kg category. Cruz defeated fellow South African Handre Dreyer 9–3 in the final. Cruz built his lead early with fast attacks and controlled the match until the end.
Junior Kumite Female 66 kg
Germany’s Miley Schindler won the Junior Kumite Female 66 kg gold medal after a dominant 4–0 victory against Maia Ewing of Scotland. Schindler kept a strong distance and timing throughout the match, preventing Ewing from scoring.
