Asian karatekas advance to title bouts as final individual categories are decided in AKF Senior Championships

The last individual finalists of the AKF Senior Championships were confirmed on the second day of competition in Bali, Indonesia. Asia’s top karate athletes delivered strong performances as they moved one step closer to the continental crown. Team kata finalists were also decided ahead of the medal matches.

China and Japan set Female Team Kata final

China and Japan will meet in the Female Team Kata final after dominant semifinal victories. China defeated Chinese Taipei 6-1, while Japan overcame Iran by a perfect 7-0 score. Both teams showed strong form and now prepare for a highly anticipated showdown.

Kuwait and Japan reach Male Team Kata final

Kuwait and Japan advanced to the Male Team Kata final with identical 7-0 victories. Kuwait defeated Chinese Taipei, while Japan beat Hong Kong China. The two teams will now clash for the Asian title.

Assel Kanay and Sarara Shimada move into Female Kumite -61kg final

Kazakhstan’s Assel Kanay secured her place in the final with a 6-3 victory over China’s Li Gong. Japan’s Sarara Shimada defeated Iran’s Mehrnegar Ahmadi 4-0 to reach the title bout. Current bronze medallist Kanay will face newly proclaimed Grand Winner Shimada, who also earned bronze at the last Asian Championships.

Alisha Alisha and Rina Kodo advance in Female Kumite -55kg

India’s Alisha Alisha edged Vietnam’s Hoang Thi My Tam 1-0 in a close semifinal. Japan’s Rina Kodo defeated Kazakhstan’s Bella Samasheva 3-1 to book her place in the final. Current bronze medallist Alisha will challenge 2023 bronze medallist Kodo for the gold medal.

Abdel Rahman Almasatfa returns to final in Male Kumite -67kg against newcomerOlzhas Altynbek

Jordan’s Abdel Rahman Almasatfa advanced after a scoreless contest against Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed Alassiri was decided in his favour by Hantei or decision.  Kazakhstan’s Olzhas Altynbek impressed with a commanding 9-1 victory over Japan’s Yugo Kozaki. Four-time Asian champion Almasatfa will seek to reclaim the title he last won in 2024, while Olzhas reaches his first continental final.

Saud Albasher and Abdelrahman Abdelhamid reach Male Kumite -60kg final

Saudi Arabia’s Saud Albasher defeated Jordan’s Abdallah Hammad 11-4 to secure his place in the final. Qatar’s Abdelrahman Abdelhamid edged Japan’s Hiromu Hashimoto 9-8 in one of the closest matches of the day. Bronze medallist in 2017, Albasher will face Abdelhamid, who has reached the final in his first international senior competition.

Morteza Nemati and Nurkanat Azhikanov set rematch in Male Kumite -75kg

Iran’s Morteza Nemati beat Japan’s Yusei Sakiyama 9-3, while Kazakhstan’s Nurkanat Azhikanov defeated Vietnam’s Vo Van Hien 5-3. Current silver medallist Nemati and defending champion Azhikanov will meet again in a repeat of last year's continental final.

Rida Messaoudi and Mohammad Aljafari progress in Male Kumite -84kg

The United Arab Emirates' Rida Messaoudi claimed a narrow 4-3 win over Kazakhstan’s Nikita Tarnakin. Jordan’s Mohammad Aljafari prevailed in a high-scoring contest against Iran’s Ali Asghar Asiabari, winning 13-9. Messaoudi reaches his first final in his first international competition, while Grand Winner Aljafari aims for a fourth continental title.

Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly and Tsubasa Kama return to Female Kumite -68kg final

Vietnam’s Nguyen Thi Dieu Ly defeated Kazakhstan’s Daiyana Darenskaya 5-0 to advance. Japan’s Tsubasa Kama overcame Iran’s Mobina Heydariozomcheloe 2-1 in a close semifinal. Defending champion Nguyen and current silver medallist Kama will meet again in a repeat of last year's final.

Yara Naser and Lubis Leica Al Humaira advance in Female Kumite +68kg

Jordan’s Yara Naser dominated Uzbekistan’s Sevinch Egamberdiyeva with a 6-0 victory. Indonesia’s Lubis Leica Al Humaira delighted the home crowd by defeating Nepal’s Arika Gurung 3-1. Current bronze medallist Naser will face first-time finalist Al Humaira for the title.

Sanad Sufyani and Mahmoud Nemati complete Male Kumite +84kg final

Saudi Arabia’s Sanad Sufyani delivered one of the most convincing performances of the day, defeating Kazakhstan’s Dias Anarbekov 8-0. Iran’s Mahmoud Nemati secured his place in the final with a 12-2 victory over Japan’s Kentaro Yamauchi. Defending champion Sufyani will take on first-time finalist Nemati for the heavyweight crown.

The clash for Asia’s most prestigious karate titles continues in Bali as the finalists prepare for their decisive contests.

2026 AKF Senior Championships

(Pictures: Sport Action @sportactionteam )