12th edition of Fujairah Open Taekwondo Championship redefines excellence

The exhilarating 12th Fujairah Open International Taekwondo Championship, a spectacle of skill, resilience, and fierce competition, concluded on a successful note recently.

This prestigious event witnessed some of the fiercest clashes in its history, with numerous Olympic medalists battling it out on the grand stage.

Adding to its legacy, the G2 championship etched its name into the Guinness World Records, attracting an astounding more than 2,332 participants.

Among them were 10 elite athletes who have graced multiple Olympic Games, including the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Hosted by the Fujairah Martial Arts Club at the Zayed Sports Complex, the five-day championship set new benchmarks, drawing an unprecedented 2,600 athletes—a record-breaking turnout that underscores its growing prominence on the global stage.

The ferocity of the competition was best exemplified in the women’s final, where Nastaran Valizadeh stunned reigning Olympic champion Viviana Marton of Hungary in a clash that will be remembered for years to come. In an event where victory is never guaranteed, upsets, comebacks, and last-second triumphs were the norm, proving that the Fujairah Open is not just a championship—it’s a battleground where only the most relentless warriors rise to the top.

“Competing in Fujairah for the first time has been an incredible experience! I truly admire the spirit of these competitions—the impeccable organization, the electrifying atmosphere, and the sheer level of skill on display,” said the Hungarian Olympian.

“Every match is a true test of endurance and determination, pushing athletes to their limits. Not everyone can claim victory every day, as this is an immensely tough competition, but that’s what makes it so thrilling. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, to learn, and to come back even stronger!"

Another captivating moments of the tournament was the triumphant victory of Dunya Abutaleb in the women’s -53 kg category, a win that resonated far beyond the competition mats

A trailblazer in her own right, Abutaleb made history as the first Saudi woman to qualify for the Olympic Games on her own merit, and in Fujairah, she showcased the very spirit of perseverance and determination that defines champions.

In a dramatic and emotionally charged final, Abutaleb faced Iran’s Mobina Nematzadeh, the very opponent who had denied her a podium finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This time, however, she was relentless. Fueled by the desire for redemption, she delivered a master class in skill and resilience, overpowering Nematzadeh to avenge her heartbreaking bronze medal bout loss. Her victory was not just about winning a title—it was a statement of strength, proving that champions rise, learn, and come back stronger.