The international karate season has finally come into its own. After Serie A in Tbilisi, it was time for the main ranking tournaments of the Premier League. The first of them, according to tradition, was hosted by Paris.
Traditionally, the Premier League in the French capital is one of the most anticipated events. And the turnout was quite high: about 400 athletes from seventy countries came here. It is known that the Premier League is home to the strongest teams, so Paris has become a platform for showcasing the best of the best. He assembled a fairly strong team, and the largest was brought by the Italian team – 35 karatekas. The second largest team is Japan, with 29 participants. Türkiye is also in the top three, with 25 athletes.
France can be called the flagship of karate, as the Premier League has been held there since 2011. In addition, this season the Pierre de Coubertin Arena will host the World Championship qualifying tournament.
>>> Paris sets the tone for the Premier League <<<
Among the participants in Paris were also athletes representing the Swedish National Team. In the women’s weight category up to 61 kg, Nilsson Anna-Johanna advanced to the playoff stage. The Swedish karateka began the group stage with a victory over Zuniga Garcia Indira (Spain, 2:0), and then defeated Khamis Reem (Germany, 1:0). This result allowed her to take first place in the group and guarantee entry into the quarter-finals. At this stage, Nilsson lost to Kakiay Ashley (NED) with a difference of three points – 0:3. Then her opponent lost in the semifinals and closed the Scandinavians’ path to the consolation matches.
Another Swedish karateka, Bao Bednarski Sophie, competed in the +68 kg weight category and took third place in her subgroup. In her first fight she faced Torres Garcia Maria (Spain). The fight ended in a draw (6:6), but the judges gave her opponent a preference. Then Bao Bednarski lost to Uygur Fatma (TUR, 4:9), losing the opportunity to continue the fight. In the final match of the group, the Swedish athlete defeated Yulia Rusu (UKR, 4:8).
In Paris, Ukrainian karateka Toroshanko Andrii (84 kg) also took to the tatami. True, the tournament turned out to be unsuccessful for him. In the first fight he met with Macedonian Spasenovski Petar, the score was 2:2. However, according to the judges, the opponent was more active. Then the Ukrainian lost to Haubold Janne (Germany, 0:4) and Junya Eto (Japan, 0:4), taking the last place in the group.
Rosenlind Matilda (55 kg) also had an unsuccessful performance in the Premier League. The Swedes lost one after another to Ku Tsui-Ping (TPE, 0:3), Goranova Ivet (BUL, 0:5) and Lallo Viola (ITA, 1:5).
In the overall Premier League standings, the Japanese took first place, winning four gold medals.
Karatekas from Turkey and Egypt won two victories each.
After a brilliant start in Paris, the Premier League’s next stop is in Hangzhou, China, from March 14-16.
WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello Re-Elected as President of FIJLKAM Karate Sector
Karate legend Davide Benetello has been re-elected as President of the Karate Sector of the Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FIJLKAM). This re-election marks his second tenure leading one of the most respected karate organisations worldwide.
Davide Benetello’s re-appointment took place during the 168th FIJLKAM Federal Council Meeting last week in Rome. His continued leadership reinforces the organisation’s commitment to advancing karate in Italy and beyond.
His nomination asserts his outstanding work commanding the Karate matters of the organisation and follows a change in FIJLKAM’s leadership. At the 43rd Ordinary National Elective Assembly of the Italian Federation in December, Giovanni Morsiani was elected as the new FIJLKAM President, bringing fresh direction to the organisation.
A former World Champion, Davide Benetello has been a member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Executive Committee since 2014. He has also served as Chairman of the WKF Athletes’ Commission since 2014, playing a key role in promoting and developing the sport on a global scale. His influence and dedication have helped shape karate’s growth, both competitively and administratively. Find further information at WKF – News.
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