In one of the most remarkable stories of the World Championships qualification tournament being held this week in Paris, Venezuelan karateka Jhoisber Chataing earned his ticket to the 2025 World Championships in Cairo\u2014despite registering at the last minute and making his first-ever international appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI really can’t get over the emotion; it has been one of the most amazing experiences I have had in my life,\u201d Chataing said after sealing qualification. \u201cTo participate in a World Championship is one of the biggest dreams that a top karateka can fulfil.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chataing surprised everyone in the Male Kumite -60kg division, taking one of the six available qualification spots. He topped his pool after defeating John Andrew Rennalls Ayden of Jamaica and Thevendran Kaliana Sundram of Malaysia. In the decisive round, he edged Adam Hamill of Scotland 2\u20131 in what he called his toughest fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe toughest fight I had was the last one in the classification against Scotland, a karateka with incredible characteristics and attitudes,\u201d he said. \u201cI had to mentally prepare for the clash, and I used a phrase that I use mentally to prepare myself: \u2018If you can do it, go and do it; we are here for a reason.\u2019 It was a very, very close bout. In the end, we finished 2 to 1. Finally, I could achieve the result I was hoping for, and now here I am with the ticket to Cairo!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chataing revealed that he found out about his entry just as the event was about to occur. \u201cIt was a surprise to me to participate here because I found out just two weeks before the event that my quota for participation in the World Championships qualifier was open,\u201d he said. \u201cBetween the search for sponsors, the rush and the surprise, little by little, things were happening. I never lost faith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 31-year-old trains at the Antonio D\u00edaz Dojo, the centre owned by Venezuelan karate legend and two-time world champion Antonio D\u00edaz, a global icon of kata.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He expressed deep gratitude to his mentors and supporters. \u201cI want to thank Sensei Antonio D\u00edaz for receiving me in his house, in his dojo,\u201d Chataing said. \u201cI also want to thank my Sensei Eduardo D\u00e1vila because without him, none of this would be possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n