(Photo WKF)
The 2026 season of the Karate One Youth League began in Fujairah with a strong first day of action. It is the first tournament of the year in karate’s top series for young athletes with more than 2,200 competitors from 93 countries taking part. The arena was a celebration of youth Karate as the first junior gold medals were decided.
Putri Salurante Zaskia Takes Junior Kata Female Title
Putri Salurante Zaskia of Indonesia won the gold medal in Junior Kata Female. She defeated Tamara Lehner of Austria by 4-1 in the final. Putri showed sharp technique and strong focus. The judges gave her the edge as she performed brilliantly throughout all the rounds.
Yatoji Takamasa Wins Junior Kata Male Gold
Yatoji Takamasa of Japan claimed the Junior Kata Male title. He beat Tarik Koc of Turkiye with a 4-1 score. Takamasa delivered a clean and controlled performance. His timing and balance stood out.
Arafat Abdulrahman Secures -55 kg Kumite Crown
In Junior Kumite Male -55 kg, Arafat Abdulrahman of Saudi Arabia took gold after a tight 2-2 result against Ahmed Elserougy of Egypt. With the scores level at the end, the decision went in Abdulrahman’s favour.
Keles Osman Burak Dominates -76 kg Final
Keles Osman Burak of Turkiye won the Junior Kumite Male -76 kg category. He defeated Asilbek Kobilov of Uzbekistan 9-4. Burak controlled the bout from the start. He attacked with speed and kept pressure on his opponent. Kobilov tried to respond but could not stop Burak’s scoring run.
Petrenko Alina Claims -66 kg Kumite Gold
Petrenko Alina of WKF-1 won the Junior Kumite Female -66 kg title. She beat Nourhan Elmorsi of Egypt 3-0 in the final. Alina stayed compact and focused. She scored first and managed the match well.
Eltaher Roaa Edges 66+ kg Final
Eltaher Roaa of Egypt secured gold in Junior Kumite Female 66+ kg. She defeated Safiia Nezametdinova of WKF-1 1-0 in a close contest. The bout was decided by a single point. Roaa remained patient and took her chance when it came.
