Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah 2025 shatters records and sets new standards

The 2025 Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah concluded with an exceptional finale, marked by impressive public attendance, setting a new record with 16,228 spectators following the event over four days. 

On the final day of the competition, Emirati athletes shone brightly, with Khorfakkan Club winning a gold medal through Iyad Abdulhamid in the Kumite over 55 kg, under 14 years old, held at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah. Khorfakkan Club also came close to winning another medal in this global event, with their player Faisal Khalidi finishing in fifth place in the Kumite for youth over 70 kg on the first day of the championship. 

On the final day, the Arab medal count increased in the under-14 Kumite category, with seven medals awarded: two gold, one for the UAE and one for Egypt, for Iyad Abdulhamid (over 55 kg) and Mai Barakat (under 52 kg); two silvers for Saudi Arabia’s Abdulrahman Al-Shammari (under 55 kg) and Egypt’s Abdullah Salem (under 40 kg); and three bronzes for Saudi Arabia’s Sara Al-Sumaih (under 42 kg), Mohammed Harbi (under 50 kg), and Egypt’s Omar Murad (under 40 kg). 

With the results from the final day, the total number of Arab medals in the championship reached 35, including 7 gold (5 for Egypt, 1 each for the UAE and Saudi Arabia), 6 silvers (3 for Egypt, 2 for Saudi Arabia, and 1 for Palestine), and 22 bronzes (10 for Egypt, 4 for Saudi Arabia, 3 for Jordan, 2 for Tunisia, and 1 each for Qatar, Kuwait, and Libya).

This edition, held for the third time in Fujairah, was distinguished by the presence of leading figures from the international, Asian, and Arab federations, as well as numerous federation presidents from around the world. 

They followed the event over the four consecutive days, due to the largest number of participants in the history of the World Youth League, with over 2,300 athletes representing 87 countries.

Dr. Ibrahim Al-Qannas, President of the Arab and West Asian Karate Federations, expressed his happiness with the 2025 Fujairah edition, stating: “This championship stands out from previous ones by breaking records in the number of players, referees, and the excellent organization.

It is under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, which adds significant value. The participation of a large number of countries and the presence of all the world’s top-ranked players reflects the trust participants have in the UAE's ability to organize the event at the highest level, which we witnessed in Fujairah 2025." 

He continued, “We must thank Major General Nasser Al Razooqi, President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the World Karate Federation, for his contributions to the sport, not only in the UAE and Asia but globally. 

“Since he took over the Asian Karate Federation, the sport has made significant progress in all areas. He is internationally recognized and a major supporter, capable of solving any global issue. We’ve learned a lot from him. As President of the Arab Federation, I’m pleased with our athletes' achievements in this global event. We have top-ranked players and all the ingredients for a successful championship were present in ‘Fujairah 2025.’”

He added, “There are great efforts being made to bring karate back to the Olympics, thanks to the work of Major General Nasser Al Razooqi and Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation.”