A Remarkable Display of Talent at the 2023 UFAK Championships in Casablanca

The 2023 UFAK Karate Championships in Casablanca have proven to be an electrifying showcase of talent, with karatekas from across the continent competing fiercely. From August 17th to 20th, the sports arena in Casablanca, Morocco has been filled with dynamic and powerful performances.

Egypt and Morocco Lead the Charge

In a stunning display of skill, Egypt and Morocco emerged as the dominant forces in this year’s championships, sharing a friendly yet intense rivalry. The two nations swept numerous categories, further cementing their positions as the powerhouse nations of the sport in Africa.

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The Triumphs of Female Athletes

Lamis Abdelaziz of Egypt struck gold in Cadet Kata Female, marking the beginning of a wave of success for her country. Notably, in the same category, Khouloud Nzaq of Morocco exhibited a spirited performance to claim silver.

In Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg, Morocco celebrated a gold medal performance by Aya Tourabi, who won by “Hantei” or decision over Salma Hafed of Libya.

Egyptian girl during UFAK 2023, kata player

Men Making Their Mark

On the men’s side, Adam Rchouq of Morocco displayed his prowess in Cadet Kata Male, capturing the gold after a compelling duel with Egypt’s Adam Mohamed. The tension between these two countries was palpable, with each match seemingly more intense than the last.

In the heavyweight division of Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg, Tunisia celebrated a gold with Ali Rouached’s definitive 2-0 victory over Cameroon’s Yvan Ondoua II Abessolo.

Team Categories — A Unified Force

The team events offered a chance for countries to display their depth and unity. The Egyptian Female Team Kata Juniors, consisting of Elezaby Mariam, Khamis Jana, and Moussa Habiba, executed their forms flawlessly to take the gold.

Morocco’s Male Team Kata Juniors, consisting of Chakir Abderrahmane, Lamoum Tijani, and Rchouq Adam, demonstrated extraordinary synergy to secure gold. They celebrated their victory warmly, as they were hoisted on the shoulders of their teammates.

A Diverse Podium

Beyond the intense Egypt-Morocco rivalry, several other nations had their moments of glory. Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, and South Africa were among the countries that also made it to the podium, showing that karate is a sport that is flourishing throughout the African continent.

For instance, in Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg, Anas Hassen Ben of Tunisia managed a narrow victory over Egypt’s Abdalla Aly Eltohamy, winning the gold with a 1-0 scoreline.

Fight Kumite cadet during UFAK 2023

Conclusion

The 2023 UFAK Championships served as more than just a competition; it was a celebration of African karate. It provided a stage for emerging athletes to shine, for rivalries to be ignited, and for unity to be demonstrated through the love of karate.

While Egypt and Morocco may have dominated the medal tally, the real victory was the demonstration of talent, respect, and sportsmanship from all participating nations. As the dust settles in Casablanca, the legacy of this event will surely live on, inspiring the next generation of African karatekas to aim for new heights.

All results of the Cadet Competition and Kata Competitions

Category Rank Full Name Country
Cadet Kata Female 1 Abdelaziz Lamis Egypt
2 Nzaq Khouloud Morocco
3 Zamtako Kalida Kenza Burkina Faso
3 Jagasur Nyska South Africa
Cadet Kata Male 1 Rchouq Adam Morocco
2 Mohamed Adam Egypt
3 Rakotomamonjy Ayrton Madagascar
3 Khitsane Bohlokwa South Africa
Cadet Kumite Female -47 kg 1 Aboelnasr Nadia Osama Egypt
2 Tarkou Roumayssae Morocco
3 Hawil Ramatoulaye Guinea
3 Iddir Melina Algeria
Cadet Kumite Female -54 kg 1 Elsayed Jana Hazem Egypt
2 Jagasur Nyska South Africa
3 De Haan Fama Samassa Senegal
3 Beelazi Yasmine Tunisia
Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg 1 Bahajjou Jihane Morocco
2 Ksantini Maysa Tunisia
3 Elmorsi Nourhan Egypt
3 Withney Lea Tetabou Djofo Cameroon
Cadet Kumite Female 61+ kg 1 Tourabi Aya Morocco
2 Hafed Salma Libya
3 Oula Tchoma Precilia Cote D`Ivoire
3 Tantawi Mariam Egypt
Cadet Kumite Male -52 kg 1 Es-Saidy Mohammed Morocco
2 Sylla Alhassane Guinea
3 Bendhifallah Mohamed Iheb Tunisia
3 Tebbal Khalil Algeria
Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg 1 Ben Hassen Anas Tunisia
2 Eltohamy Abdalla Aly Egypt
3 Nacro Fadel Burkina Faso
3 El Makhlofi Marouane Morocco
Cadet Kumite Male -63 kg 1 Alduweebi Albasheer Libya
2 Khelifi Yasine Tunisia
3 Douaidi Nazim Algeria
3 Gaye Mouhamadou Moustapha Senegal
Cadet Kumite Male -70 kg 1 Gori Abderrazak Algeria
2 Khitsane Bohlokwa South Africa
3 Meaareg Ahmed Egypt
3 Ben Mabrouk Mouhamed Seddik Tunisia
Cadet Kumite Male 70+ kg 1 Rouached Ali Tunisia
2 Abessolo Ondoua II Yvan Cameroon
3 Jean Michel Conde Guinea
3 Khouy Ilyasse Morocco
Junior Kata Female 1 Khamis Jana Egypt
2 Mouton Merziaan Astrid Namibia
3 El Machouat Douaa Morocco
3 Abassi Aya Tunisia
Junior Kata Male 1 Lamoum Tijani Morocco
2 Ahmed Osama Elbaz Egypt
3 Alqizlah Hammam Libya
3 Ghanjati Mohamed Rayen Tunisia
Kata Team Cadet and Junior Female 1 Egypt Female Team Kata Juniors: Elezaby Mariam, Khamis Jana, Moussa Habiba Egypt
2 South Africa Junior and Cadets Kata: Pillay Azaria, Pillay Zia-Omera, Stevenson Kelsy Amber South Africa
3 Morocco: Chahid Chaymae, El Kahri Israe, Nzaq Khouloud Morocco
3 Cameroon: Lesly Carelle Tueno Fotso, Ange Alithney Makam Kamgang, Akamba Tchankeu Naissance Cameroon
Kata Team Cadet and Junior Male 1 Morocco: Chakir Abderrahmane, Lamoum Tijani, Rchouq Adam Morocco
2 Cameroon: Sandjon Nana Ngangue Hugues, Joseph Daniel Djiomo, Jacques Robin Fred Hiol Hiol Cameroon
3 Team Botswana: Molefhe Gabriel, Nsala Kao, Mooketsi Lefika Botswana
3 Egypt Male Team Kata Juniors: Elyamani Ali Salaheldin, Mohamed Abdulrahmman, Wafa ZeanelDin Egypt

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