Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah 2025

The international karate season has finally come into its own. After the first stages of the Premier League and Serie A, the Youth League was launched. Young athletes gathered in Fujairah.

>>> The first stage of the Youth League was a great success <<<

The UAE city became the first stop of the new year for the young generation of karatekas. This season there will be five stages of the Youth League, which will take place in Guadalajara (Spain), Porec (Croatia), Monterrey (Mexico) and Venice (Italy). But the first chapter of the season was written in Fujairah, which has previously hosted prestigious K-1 events – the Premier League in 2022 and the Youth League for the previous two years.

The turnout of participants was traditionally quite high. Around 1,900 athletes from 76 countries registered to take part in the competition. Last year, Egyptian karatekas performed confidently in Fujairah, winning 16 gold medals and leaving Iran (6) and Jordan (4) far behind in terms of the number of victories.

Swedish junior Bechtioui Taha (61 kg) lost to Iranian Fallahi Hossein in the opening bout with a difference of three points – 2:5.

And Frenchman Boisnet Sacha (68th place in points) can put the start to his credit. In Fujairah, the junior won three victories. In the opening bout, one accurate blow brought him success in the fight with Zaitsev Dodrynia (AIN), and then Boisnet won against the representative of the Philippines Manalac Sebastien Neil – 6:4. This victory allowed him to reach the 1/8 finals, where he defeated Toniolo Alvise (ITA, 3:4), but in the quarterfinals Sacha lost to Alduweebi Albasheer (LBA, 2:4). The opponent failed to reach the final, and the Frenchman ended the tournament.

Abdullah Salman Surti’s tournament campaign was short-lived. The Indian karateka lost to Mezraui Omar (NED) in the first round by five points. However, the Youth League turned out to be eventful for Fernandes Ema (47 kg). The Portuguese athlete won three matches in the cadet category, defeating Elzoghby Joudy (Egypt, 1:1), Ekizoglu Alya (Turkey, 3:0) and Alrasheed Hessah (Saudi Arabia, 8:0) one after another.

In the quarterfinals, she lost to Lebedeva Anna (AIN, 0:3), and her opponent’s advancement to the final allowed Fernandes to continue her performance. But in the consolation block, the athlete lost to Kushnazarova Kunduz (UZB) with a difference of one point and took the final seventh
place.

Another Portuguese karateka, Fernandes Santiago (55 kg), limited himself to one fight in the junior category, losing to Alali Sayed Haider (KUW) – 2:6.

The Youth League was dominated by karatekas from Arab countries: Egyptians won 5 gold, 3 silver and 10 bronze medals. At the opening ceremony, spectators and athletes were treated to interesting short Arabic skits and a light show.

President of the Arab and West Asian Karate Federation Ibrahim Al Gannas expressed his delight at the tournament being held in Fujairah, noting that it broke the record for the number of participants. “The tournament was held under the patronage of the Crown Prince of Fujairah, which gave it special value. The participation of a large number of countries and the presence of all the best karatekas in the world reflects the confidence of the participants in the UAE’s ability
to stage an event at the highest level, which is what we saw at Fujairah 2025.” Al Gannas also added: “We are working hard to bring karate back to the Olympic Games thanks to the work of Major General Nasser Al Razooqi and Antonio Espinosa, President of the World Karate Federation.”

WKF President Antonio Espinós Meets with Qatar Federation President Eid Al Muraikhi Ahead of 2025 Karate 1 Youth League in Fujairah

The discussions focused on the progress of karate in the region and the potential of hosting international karate events in Qatar. As a nation that successfully hosted the ANOC World Beach Games in 2019, with karate featured on the program, Qatar is keen on becoming a regional hub for the sport. With Eid Al Muraikhi recently appointed to lead the Qatar Federation, the country is poised to strengthen its presence in the international karate community.

WKF President Antonio Espinós hands out a recognition to the President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Eid Al Muraikhi.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said: “I am grateful to Eid Al Muraikhi for his commitment to the development of karate and his intention to welcome international karate events in Qatar. This initiative will greatly contribute to the growth of karate not only in Qatar but throughout the region. With the popularity of Karate fast growing in the Middle East, events in this region could definitely jump-start the progress of Karate worldwide.”

From left to right: WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali, WKF President Antonio Espinós, President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Eid Al Muraikhi, AKF and UAE Karate Federation President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Executive Director Adel Almarzooqi, and UAE Karate Federation President Executive Committee member and WKF Technical Commission member Mohammed Abbas.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his ongoing support and invaluable contribution to advancing karate in Asia. His leadership continues to inspire growth and unity within the karate community.”

The 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah marks the first major event of the year for youngsters, attracting young karate talent from around the world. Over 2900 young athletes from 87 countries have registered to participate in the 2025 edition of the Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah.

Progress of Karate in Asia Highlighted at AKF Executive Council in Fujairah

The Executive Council of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) convened in Fujairah, UAE, on the occasion of the Karate 1 Youth League event taking place this week. The meeting was chaired by AKF President and World Karate Federation (WKF) Vice President, Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, with WKF President Antonio Espinós in attendance.

The Executive Council gathered to review the current state of karate in Asia and to analyse the sport’s progress across the continent. Discussions centred around the preparations for upcoming AKF continental events, including the Senior Championships scheduled for May in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, and the Age-Group Championships set for September in China.

AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi and WKF President Antonio Espinós

WKF President Antonio Espinós stated: ”Karate continues to flourish in Asia, gaining remarkable popularity and achieving excellence in its events. The sport’s growth over the past few years has been extraordinary, especially under the leadership of AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi. Karate is now one of the most popular, advanced, and exciting disciplines on the continent, and this success has been achieved thanks to the efforts of the AKF and the joint strategy of the AKF and the WKF.

“I want to thank AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his outstanding contribution to the progress of Karate. His unwavering support and commitment have significantly contributed to the advancement of our sport in Asia and all over the world.”

With strategic planning and dedicated leadership, the AKF aims to provide more opportunities for athletes and to continue raising the standards of karate competitions in Asia. The AKF and the WKF continue building on the sport’s growing popularity and ensuring a bright future for the next generation of karatekas.

The 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony, graced by the presence of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the son of the Crown Prince of Fujairah. His attendance underscored the strong support of the UAE’s leadership for the sport of karate.

Son of Crown Prince of Fujairah Attends Opening Ceremony of 2025 Karate 1-Youth League

The event was chaired by Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, President of the UAE Karate Federation, President of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF), and Vice President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), alongside Antonio Espinós, President of the WKF.

The opening ceremony was one of the key highlights of the event, showcasing the excellence of karate through a well-timed and captivating presentation. It set the stage for an exciting competition, bringing together young athletes from around the world to compete at the highest level.

The President of the UAE Karate Federation and President of the AKF Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, the son of the Crown Prince of Fujairah Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, and WKF President Antonio Espinós participate in the opening ceremony.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said: “We are truly honoured by the presence of Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi at the opening ceremony. His attendance reflects the tremendous support that the highest officials in the UAE have for the development of karate, and this backing is crucial in inspiring the younger generation and promoting the growth of the sport.”

“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his outstanding efforts in organizing this event and for his ongoing commitment to the progress of karate both in the UAE and globally.”

The 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah continues underway, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and excellence in karate.