The 26th edition of the World Karate Senior Championship, held biennially, unfolds in Budapest, Hungary, from October 24 to 29. The prestigious event is being hosted at the Papp Laszlo Budapest Sports Arena, a venue that resonates with the high-energy ambiance of competitive Karate.
Kickstarting the championship on Tuesday, the elimination rounds for Male and Female Kata, Male Kumite +84kg and -84kg, and Female Kumite +68kg and -68kg took center stage. The opening day set the tone for the fierce competition that lay ahead, as athletes from across the globe vied for a place in the subsequent rounds.
A record-breaking congregation of over 1,000 athletes from 103 countries have registered, making this 26th edition the most massive World Senior Championships in the sport’s history. This impressive turnout surpasses previous participation records, manifesting the global allure and burgeoning influence of Karate on the international stage.
In the Men’s +84kg division, the journey towards the finals was a riveting one with Taha Tarek Mahmoud from Egypt clinching a place against Medhi Filali from France. Similarly, in the -84kg category, reigning world champion Youssef Badawy from Egypt will defend his title against Mahdi Khodabakhshi from Iran in the finals.
The Kata events were not short of drama either, with Damian Quintero from Spain and Ali Sofuoglu from Turkey advancing to the Men’s Kata finals. The Women’s Kata finals will witness Hikaru Ono from Japan against Grace Lau Mo Sheung from Hong Kong, marking a new era in women’s Kata.
In the Women’s division, the +68kg and -68kg categories have also set the stage for thrilling finals. Maria Torres Garcia from Spain will defend her title in the +68kg category against Japanese contender Ayaka Saito, while the -68kg category will see a face-off between Elena Quirici from Switzerland and Irina Zaretska from Azerbaijan.
The 2023 World Karate Senior Championship not only reflects the meticulous preparation and indomitable spirit of the athletes but also embodies the global camaraderie and mutual respect fostered through Karate. The historic participation in Budapest elucidates the expanding horizons and the enduring appeal of Karate, as the sport continues to captivate hearts and inspire athletes around the world.