Gallipoli Hosts 2026 Tri-Nations Karate Championships Highlighting Remembrance and Karate Values

Gallipoli in Turkiye has hosted the 2026 Tri-Nations Karate Championships, bringing together athletes from Australia, Türkiye, and New Zealand in an event that combined high-performance sport with remembrance, cultural connection and Karate values.

Held in the lead-up toANZAC Day,the championships created a shared space for reflection at one of the most historically significant locations for all three nations. The event was organised by theTurkish Karate Federation in partnership with theWorld Karate Federationand included both a training camp and competition.

“Bringing together young athletes from these three nations in Gelibolu, a place of profound historical significance and shared memory, is both a privilege and a meaningful responsibility for the Turkish Karate Federation. This unique setting stands as a symbol of unity, respect, and peace among nations”, saidErcüment Taşdemir, President of the Turkish Karate Federation.

Meanwhile,Hani Zahra, National President and Board Chair of Karate Australia, highlighted the broader meaning of the event. “Leading the Australian delegation to Gallipoli is both an honour and a responsibility. This is not just about sport at the highest level; it is about representing our nation in a place that holds deep meaning for Australia, Türkiye, and New Zealand. Through this gathering, we are bringing the next generation together not in conflict, but in connection. It is a demonstration of how sport can unite nations, foster understanding, and honour the past while shaping a more respectful and collaborative future,” he said.

Lastly,Suzanne Yee,Executive Board member of Karate New Zealand, who represented the New Zealand Karate Federation at the event, said: “The Karate Tri Nations in Gallipoli represents a moment of deep significance for Karate New Zealand. To gather in this sacred venue with our partners from Turkey and Australia is to honour not only the shared history of the Anzacs, but also the legacy of our own tupuna (ancestors) who shaped our identity and values. Through karate, our rangatahi (youngsters) strengthen their discipline, resilience, and mana (power), while building genuine relationships across nations.”

The event was attended by WKF Assistant General SecretaryDavor Cipek,who said: “We are gathered here to honour ANZAC DAY— a time when we remember the Gallipoli Campaign and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives. It is a moment of deep respect, but also one that reminds us of the importance of peace, understanding, and unity among nations. That is precisely why today’s event carries such strong meaning. Sport, and karate in particular, has a unique power to transform remembrance into connection, history into friendship, and differences into mutual respect. Today’s friendly match between Turkey, Australia, and New Zealand stands as a powerful symbol of that spirit. On the tatami, we do not stand against each other as enemies, but alongside one another as partners who share the same values: discipline, honour, and respect.”

During the event, official meetings were held with the attendance of high-ranked officials, including Istanbul Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Muhittin Özbay and Sports Services Director Seyda Dursun. The Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro, also participated in the opening ceremony of the event.  The 2026 Tri-Nations Karate Championships demonstrated how sport can connect nations, honour history, and build lasting relationships beyond competition.

World Karate Federation PresidentAntonio Espinóspraised the unity and values of the event. “I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the national federations of Türkiye, Australia, and New Zealand for their commitment and collaboration in delivering this meaningful event. This initiative reflects the true spirit of karate, grounded in friendship, respect, and cooperation across nations. Karate is not only a sport, but also a vehicle for values that leave a lasting legacy in society. Events such as the Tri-Nations Championships highlight the unifying power of our discipline, bringing people together through shared purpose and mutual understanding. This gathering in Gallipoli also demonstrates the positive impact that karate continues to have in each of the participating nations, strengthening connections between communities and inspiring future generations through its principles.”

(Top picture: Karatekas from Australia, New Zealand and Turkiye at the Tri-Nations Championships)

The Karate delegations of Australia, New Zealand and Turkiye pose with local officials ahead of the event.

Ahead of the Tri-Nations Championships, the three delegations gathered at a preparatory training camp.

From left to right: Hani Zahra, National President and Board Chair of Karate Australia, Ercüment Taşdemir, President of the Turkish Karate Federation, and Suzanne Yee, Executive Board member of Karate New Zealand.

F6: President of the Turkish Karate Federation Ercüment Taşdemir, Suzanne Yee , Executive Board member of Karate New Zealand, WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek and Hani Zahra, National President and Board Chair of Karate Australia pose with Governor-General of New Zealand Cindy Kiro.

The karatekas participating in the championships

From left to right:WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek, Hani Zahra, National President and Board Chair of Karate Australia, Ercüment Taşdemir, President of the Turkish Karate Federation, and Suzanne Yee, Executive Board member of Karate New Zealand.

(Pictures: Kaizen Culture)