Race for Grand Winners Title Intensifies Ahead of Karate One Premier League Rome
The quest to become the new Grand Winners of the Karate One Premier League is gaining momentum after the opening event of the season in Istanbul this January. With the second stop set for Rome from Ma
The quest to become the new Grand Winners of the Karate One Premier League is gaining momentum after the opening event of the season in Istanbul this January. With the second stop set for Rome from March 13 to 15, athletes who secured gold in the first tournament now sit one step ahead in the standings and are aiming to repeat their success to move closer to the prestigious Grand Winners award.
Several reigningGrand Winnersstarted the season strongly.Mo Sheung GraceLau opened the year exactly as she ended the last one, winning the female kata title. In male kata,Kakeru Nishiyamacontinued his dominance by claiming his 13th consecutive gold medal in Istanbul.
In kumite, current Grand WinnerEray Samdandelivered a memorable farewell performance by winning gold at home in male kumite -60kg before announcing his retirement. A similar situation occurred in male kumite -75kg, whereAbdalla Abdelazizsecured his fourth straight gold medal and later confirmed his departure from top-level competition.
The opening event also highlighted rising talent, with several categories now wide open. In female kumite -50kg, 18-year-oldAgnes Nymanclaimed victory while reigning Grand WinnerMoldir Zhangbyrbayis on maternity leave. In female kumite -55kg,Bella Samashevatook gold in the absence of Olympic championIvet Goranova. Female kumite -68kg followed a similar pattern, withNisrine Broukwinning in Istanbul while Grand WinnerElena Quiricidid not compete.
Surprises continued in other divisions.Fatma Naz Yenenearned her first Premier League gold in female kumite -61kg, while Grand WinnerAssel Kanayfinished ninth. In female kumite +68kg,Sofya Berultsevacaptured her first Premier League title in five years, with reigning championMaria Torresalso placing ninth.
Other categories promise intense competition as the season progresses. In male kumite -67kg,Iurik Ogannisianwon gold while Grand WinnerYugo Kozakifinished sixth. The margins were even tighter in male kumite -84kg and +84kg, where Grand WinnersYoussef BadawyandTaha Mahmoudreached the finals but lost narrowly toOmar Osman,also from Egypt andRodrigo Rojasfrom Chile, respectively.
The upcoming event inRomeis expected to showcase world-class karate and deliver another decisive chapter in the race toward the Grand Winners award. As the season unfolds, every match and every point will be critical in determining who finishes the year on top of the Karate One Premier League standings.
TheKarate One Premier League Romewill be available LIVE on theWKF YouTube channel.The final day of the competition will be exclusively for members of theKarate Fanon WKF YouTube channel.CLICK HEREto join!
2025 KARATE ONE PREMIER LEAGUE