As the Karate 1-Premier League Paris 2024 draws to a spectacular close, the martial arts community celebrates the champions who have emerged triumphant and the countries that have led the national rankings. This prestigious event has witnessed a remarkable display of skill, technique, and sportsmanship from the world’s best karatekas.
Spotlight on Champions
The Female Kata category was dominated by Japan, with Maho Ono clinching the gold, followed by compatriot Saeko Azuma with the silver. Japan continued to assert its Kata prowess, as Nishiyama Kakeru took home the gold in the Male Kata, with Moto Ryuji securing the silver.
In Kumite, the Female -50 Kg category saw Yorgelis Salazar of Venezuela standing atop the podium, with Egypt’s Reem Ahmed Salama earning the silver. The Male Kumite -60 Kg was a showcase of talent with Turkey’s Eray Samdan winning gold and Japan’s Hiromu Hashimoto taking silver.
The Female Kumite -55 Kg was masterfully won by Japan’s Shima Airi, with Germany’s Mia Bitsch earning the runner-up spot. The Female Kumite -61 Kg gold was claimed by Atoosa Golshadnezhad from the Islamic Republic of Iran, while Anita Serogina from Ukraine took the silver.
A significant victory was seen in the Female Kumite -68 Kg where Thalya Sombe from France delighted the home crowd with a gold medal, and Mobina Heydariozomcheloei from the Islamic Republic of Iran secured the silver.
The heavyweight categories were no less thrilling, with Spain’s Maria Torres Garcia winning gold in the Female Kumite 68+ Kg category and Rochelle Walters from England taking silver. In the Male Kumite 84+ Kg, Egypt’s Mahmoud Taha Tarek emerged victorious with gold, and Anes Bostandzic from Bosnia and Herzegovina took silver.
The Male Kumite -75 Kg was a fierce battle, with Egypt’s Abdellaziz Abdalla claiming gold over Turkey’s Enes Bulut. In the Male Kumite -84 Kg, Ukraine’s Valerii Chobotar stood proud with the gold, while Konstantinos Mastrogiannis from Greece held the silver.
National Ranking Highlights
Japan leads the national ranking with an impressive medal haul, particularly in Kata, where their athletes’ precision and grace have been unmatched. This strong performance underscores Japan’s deep-rooted tradition and excellence in karate.
The Islamic Republic of Iran also made a significant mark, with golds in key categories and multiple athletes reaching the podium, showcasing the nation’s growing strength in karate.
Turkey and Egypt have displayed their own sets of champions and finalists, contributing to their high placement in the national rankings. Their athletes’ resilience and tactical brilliance were on full display throughout the tournament.
France, with Thalya Sombe’s gold in the Female Kumite -68 Kg, has shown that the host nation has much to celebrate, demonstrating the depth of talent and the robust development of karate within the country.
Venezuela and Ukraine, with their gold and silver medalists, have proven that karate’s reach is vast, and excellence can emerge from every corner of the globe.
As we wrap up this edition of the Karate 1-Premier League, the champions’ list and national rankings reflect a global community united by respect, discipline, and the continual pursuit of excellence. These athletes, through their remarkable achievements, have not only earned medals but have also inspired countless others in the art and sport of karate. We look forward to their continued success and the elevation of karate on the world stage.