Major General Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi, Engineer Humaid Shamis, Mohamed Al Shehhi, Ibrahim Al Nuaimi and Mohammed Harbouk pose for a picture after the ceremony.

Gulf Today, Sports Reporter

Celebrating the stupendous success of Karate 1 Youth League Fujairah, the UAE Karate Federation hosted a ceremony to honour the strategic partners.

This was in appreciation of their efforts and contributions towards the success of the Karate 1 Youth League’s season opener and serving the strategic goals of the championship. The ceremony took place at the Al Al Bahar Hotel & Resort in Fujairah.

The championship achieved record numbers that have never before been seen in the country in terms of individual competitions, featuring 46 events (Kata and Kumite) with the participation of 2024 male and female players across four categories: youth, young women, juniors, and girls under 14 and under 21 (males and females), representing 78 countries from various continents, including 14 Arab countries.

Egypt led the Arab and foreign countries in terms of the number of participating athletes with 274 players, followed by the UAE with 108 players, Saudi Arabia (52), Algeria (43), Kuwait (29), Jordan (28), Qatar (15), Iraq (7), Oman (5), Yemen (3), Libya (3), Tunisia (2), and Morocco (1).

Additionally, 260 international referees participated, along with over 3000 athletes who attended this important global event, and more than 700 individuals comprised the organizing teams.

This championship marks the first of the International Karate Federation's (Karate 1 Youth League) tournaments and served as the qualifier for the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics.

The Youth League opener in Fujairah witnessed a record number of spectators who filled the stands of the Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah from 9am to 9pm over the four days of the championship. The number of fans reached a record of 14,151.

Arab athletes, including players from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, produced dominant performances during the event.

Egypt topped the overall standings of the tournament after winning a record 51 medals.

Major General Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi, President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the International Federation, thanked and appreciated the unwavering support of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Major General Nasser welcomed the strategic partners, noting that this recognition was well-deserved for their efforts during the championship and their contribution to its success in serving the nation through their full cooperation with the championship's organizing committee.

He thanked them and the championship's working teams, school supervisors, students, and their parents for their exciting performances at the end of the championship.

He emphasized that the partnership that brought together governmental, federal, and local entities was the foundation of success and achievement.

“We should rejoice in the record-breaking achievements we have achieved together in that significant championship. This partnership was the driving force that propelled us forward to achieve our goals,” he added.

Also present at the ceremony were members of the UAE Karate Federation’s board of directors.

Engineer Humaid Shamis, General Secretary of the UAE and Arab Karate Federations and tournament director; Dr. Abdullah Al Badi, General Coordinator of the championship, board members Mohammed Harbouk; Mohamed Al Shehhi; and Ibrahim Al Nuaimi.

The ceremony also recognized representatives from the government and private sectors who played a key role in this significant achievement.

Exciting karate performances were presented by players from the Sharjah Sports Club and the Fujairah Martial Arts Club during the ceremony, coinciding with the 9th edition of the National Sports Day.

This display embodied the spirit of the day, showcasing unity and collaboration across society's groups. It also reflected the beautiful harmony that blends the nation's diverse cultures.