(Photo WKF)
The 2026 Karate One Youth League in Poreč, Croatia, came to an exciting close as the U14 champions were crowned on the final day of competition with the hosts claiming two titles.
Valeria Rebollo Carvajal wins U14 Female Kata
Spain’s Valeria Rebollo Carvajal claimed the gold medal after defeating fellow Spaniard Luna Capetillo Lopez by 4-1 in the final. It was a composed performance that secured the U14 Female Kata title.
Kaito Hawkins takes U14 Male Kata gold
England’s Kaito Hawkins earned the U14 Male Kata crown with a 4-1 victory over Pawel Chmielnicki of Poland. Hawkins showed confidence throughout the final to finish on top.
Lucija Scuric dominates Female Kumite -42 kg
Croatia celebrated a home victory as Lucija Scuric defeated Serbia’s Emilija Pavlovic 6-0. Scuric controlled the bout from start to finish to take the title.
Nina Končar triumphs in Female Kumite -47 kg
Another gold medal stayed in Croatia thanks to Nina Končar, who beat Sofiia Bohdan of Ukraine 3-0. Končar delivered a disciplined performance to become champion.
Adela Uharcekova claims Female Kumite -52 kg
Slovakia’s Adela Uharcekova secured the gold medal with a 3-1 win over Germany’s Lena Baumgärtner. She maintained her advantage throughout the final.
Sharliz Kruhlova wins all-Ukrainian final
Ukraine’s Sharliz Kruhlova captured the Female Kumite +52 kg title after edging compatriot Valeriia Asanova 1-0. A single point decided a closely contested final.
Konstantinos Polidorou earns Male Kumite +55 kg title
Cyprus celebrated gold through Konstantinos Polidorou, who defeated Montenegro’s Vuk Dragojevic 1-0. A disciplined defensive display proved enough for victory.
Lucas Palm takes Male Kumite -40 kg gold
Belgium’s Lucas Palm won the -40 kg title after a 2-0 victory over Ukraine’s Artem Veklych. Palm combined strong defence with effective attacks to secure the championship.
Gabriele Di Naro tops Male Kumite -45 kg
Italy’s Gabriele Di Naro claimed one of the day’s most entertaining finals, overcoming Montenegro’s Vujo Ivanisevic 6-4 to take the gold medal.
Jan Peter Holub wins Male Kumite -50 kg
Slovakia’s Jan Peter Holub defeated Sebastian Magilton of Scotland in a 3-3 contest, earning victory on the tie-break criteria to become U14 champion.
Pierpaolo Bottalico secures Male Kumite -55 kg gold
Italy’s Pierpaolo Bottalico completed the list of U14 champions with a 3-1 victory over Venezuela’s René Cortés. Bottalico produced a confident performance to finish at the top of the podium.
Karate’s first-class series of international events for youngsters travels now to Guadalajara, Mexico where the fifth event of the season will be held from September 17 to 20.
