The Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026 delivered everything expected from the opening event of karate’s most prestigious international series—and more. Held from January 23 to 25 at the Başakşehir Sports Complex in Istanbul, the tournament marked the official start of the 2026 Premier League season and set an exceptionally high standard for the months ahead.
As the first of four events on the 2026 calendar—followed by Rome (Italy), Leshan (China), and Rabat (Morocco)—Istanbul carried particular significance. It was the first opportunity of the year for the world’s elite karateka to test their form, earn crucial ranking points, and send early signals to their rivals. With full global coverage via the WKF YouTube channel, the event reached fans worldwide and reaffirmed karate’s growing international appeal.
The Premier League: Karate at Its Absolute Highest Level
The Karate One Premier League is universally recognised as the top international karate competition, reserved exclusively for the sport’s elite. Entry is limited to athletes ranked within the top 100 of the WKF World Ranking, ensuring that every bout is contested at the highest possible level.
In Istanbul, this elite standard was reflected in the numbers: 376 athletes from 65 countries registered to compete. The diversity and depth of the field meant that even early-round matches often resembled finals, with Olympic medallists, world champions, and Grand Winners meeting long before the medal stages.
Istanbul and Türkiye – A Proven Host for World-Class Karate
Türkiye once again confirmed its status as one of karate’s most reliable host nations. Istanbul returned to the Premier League calendar for the first time since 2021, welcoming the sport’s biggest series of events back to Turkish soil. Over recent years, Türkiye has hosted numerous major championships, including the EKF Senior Championships in Gaziantep (2022) and the World Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Konya (2022).
The Başakşehir Sports Complex provided a modern and well-equipped venue, capable of handling the intense schedule of eliminations, finals, and medal bouts. Turkish fans, known for their knowledge and passion, created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the three days of competition.
A Truly Global Field
Japan, the birth nation of karate, arrived with the largest delegation of 39 athletes, underlining its continued dominance in both kata and kumite. Italy followed closely with 36 competitors, while host nation Türkiye fielded a strong team of 23 athletes. Alongside them were powerful delegations from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making Istanbul one of the most internationally diverse Premier League events in recent years.
New Branding and the Grand Winners’ Debut
Istanbul 2026 also marked the debut of the new Karate One branding, reflecting the World Karate Federation’s ongoing efforts to modernise the sport while preserving its core values.
Another major highlight was the first appearance of the new Grand Winners, the athletes crowned as the best in their categories across the entire Premier League season. Competing in special karategi with golden embroidery, the Grand Winners added a symbolic and visual dimension to the event. Among those defending their status in Istanbul were Mo Sheung Grace Lau (HKG), Eray Samdan (TUR), Abdalla Abdelaziz (EGY), Kakeru Nishiyama (JPN), and Youssef Badawy (EGY).
Day One: Statements from Champions and Rising Stars
The opening day immediately delivered high drama. Finals were decided in the first six categories, and several storylines began to take shape.
One of the standout stories was in Female Kumite -50 kg, where Agnes Nyman of Sweden announced herself on the biggest stage. At just 18 years old, Nyman reached the final in her first-ever senior Premier League appearance, defeating Cylia Ouikene of Algeria 2–0 in the semifinals. Her composure, tactical discipline, and fearless approach immediately caught the attention of the international karate community.
Elsewhere, Grand Winners such as Eray Samdan and Mo Sheung Grace Lau confirmed their class, while new finalists emerged in several divisions, hinting at a season filled with fresh rivalries.
Day Two: Drama, Upsets, and Breakthrough Performances
The second day continued with the same intensity. In Female Kumite -68 kg, Nisrine Brouk of Morocco delivered one of the most convincing performances of the tournament. In the semifinals, Brouk defeated Eda Eltemur of Türkiye by a dominant 6–1, securing her place in the final. This marked her third Karate One Premier League final, building on previous silver medal finishes and underlining her consistency at elite level.
Across the tatami, Grand Winners Kakeru Nishiyama, Youssef Badawy, and Mahmoud Taha advanced, while several favourites were pushed to their limits or eliminated, adding unpredictability to the season opener.
Finals Day: History Written in Istanbul
The final day of competition delivered titles, emotion, and historic moments that will be remembered long after the season concludes.
Agnes Nyman Makes History for Sweden
The highlight for Swedish karate came in Female Kumite -50 kg. Facing Shara Hubrich of Germany in the final, Agnes Nyman produced a fearless and mature performance, winning 3–1 to claim the gold medal.
This victory was historic on multiple levels:
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It was Nyman’s first senior Premier League title
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It marked Sweden’s first-ever gold medal in Karate One Premier League history
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It came at just 18 years of age, in her Premier League debut
Nyman’s triumph sent shockwaves through the karate world and firmly established her as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport. Her success also reflected the long-term development strategy of Swedish karate, which has steadily closed the gap to the world’s leading nations.
Sweden National Team – FACTS
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026
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Gold medal
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Agnes Nyman – Female Kumite -50 kg 🥇
Defeated Shara Hubrich (GER) 3–1 in the final
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Historic achievement
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First-ever Karate One Premier League gold medal for Sweden
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Agnes Nyman won gold in her first senior Premier League appearance, aged 18
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Team overview
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Sweden opened the 2026 season with its strongest Premier League result to date, signalling a breakthrough at elite senior level.
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Morocco’s National Team – Gold, Experience, and Depth
Morocco left a strong mark on Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026, combining historic success at the top of the podium with depth and experience across the squad. The team’s performances confirmed Morocco’s position as one of the most competitive nations in women’s kumite at the start of the 2026 season.
At the center of attention stood Nisrine Brouk, who delivered a breakthrough performance by winning gold in Female Kumite -68 kg. In the final, Brouk defeated Hadir Hendy of Egypt 4–2, controlling the bout with pressure, pace, and clean scoring actions. The title marked Brouk’s first-ever Karate One Premier League gold medal, after previously finishing runner-up in two Premier League finals. Her victory in Istanbul represents a milestone both personally and for Moroccan karate, proving her ability to convert experience into championship success at the highest level.
Alongside Brouk, Morocco was also represented by Mehdi Sriti, a long-standing member of the Moroccan national team. Competing at the season-opening Premier League event, Sriti added experience and stability to the Moroccan lineup in one of the deepest elite fields of the year. His participation underlined Morocco’s growing squad depth, where established international competitors support and reinforce medal contenders on the biggest WKF stages.
Together, the performances in Istanbul highlighted a Moroccan team that is no longer reliant on single results, but instead shows structure, continuity, and the ability to compete across multiple categories at Premier League level.
Morocco National Team – FACTS
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026
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Gold medal
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Nisrine Brouk – Female Kumite -68 kg 🥇
Defeated Hadir Hendy (EGY) 4–2 in the final
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Other national team representatives
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Mehdi Sriti – Moroccan National Team competitor at Premier League level
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Key takeaway
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Morocco secured one of the most significant results of the event, with a gold medal and strong overall team presence at the season opener.
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Tunisia’s National Team and Wafa Mahjoub – Experience at the Elite Level
Tunisia also featured prominently at Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026, represented by a national team that continues to be a consistent presence at the highest level of international karate. Tunisian athletes have long been recognised for their tactical discipline and competitive resilience, particularly in women’s kumite.
A key figure for Tunisia in Istanbul was Wafa Mahjoub, one of the country’s most experienced and accomplished karate athletes. Competing in the elite Premier League field, Mahjoub once again demonstrated her ability to perform on the sport’s biggest stages, facing world-ranked opposition in a highly competitive bracket.
With multiple appearances at World Championships and Karate One events, Mahjoub represents continuity and leadership within the Tunisian national team. Her participation in Istanbul underlined Tunisia’s ongoing commitment to competing among the world’s best and maintaining visibility at the very top tier of WKF karate. While medals were fiercely contested, Mahjoub’s presence reinforced Tunisia’s role as a respected and established nation within international women’s kumite.
Tunisia National Team – FACTS
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026
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Leading athlete
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Wafa Mahjoub – Women’s Kumite
Senior international representative for Tunisia
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Experience
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Multiple appearances at WKF World Championships
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Regular competitor on the Karate One Premier League circuit
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Key takeaway
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Tunisia once again demonstrated elite-level consistency and experience, with Wafa Mahjoub leading the national team presence at the 2026 season opener.
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Ukraine’s National Team and Heorhii Pitsul – Competing with Focus and Resilience
The Ukrainian national team was also represented at Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026, continuing the country’s presence on the sport’s most demanding international stage. Ukrainian karate has steadily built a reputation for strong fundamentals, physical intensity, and mental toughness—qualities that are essential in the Premier League environment.
One of the athletes carrying the Ukrainian colours in Istanbul was Heorhii Pitsul, who competed among the world’s top-ranked karateka at the season-opening event. Facing a deep and highly competitive field, Pitsul represented Ukraine with determination and focus, contributing to the team’s overall participation at elite level.
His appearance in Istanbul highlighted Ukraine’s continued commitment to remaining visible and competitive within WKF karate, even in one of the toughest circuits in the sport. For the Ukrainian team, participation at Premier League level is a key part of long-term development, providing valuable experience against the world’s best athletes.
Ukraine National Team – FACTS
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026
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National team athlete
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Heorhii Pitsul – Ukrainian National Team competitor
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Competition level
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Karate One Premier League (top-tier WKF event)
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Entry limited to top 100 athletes in the WKF World Ranking
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Key takeaway
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Ukraine maintained its presence at elite international level, with Heorhii Pitsul representing the national team at the 2026 season opener.
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Egypt’s National Team and Adel Omara – Part of a Global Powerhouse
Egypt once again underlined its status as one of the world’s leading karate nations at Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026. The Egyptian national team entered the season opener with high expectations, supported by a long tradition of success in kumite at the highest international level.
Among the athletes representing Egypt in Istanbul was Adel Omara, who competed in one of the deepest and most demanding Premier League fields of the season. Facing top-ranked opposition, Omara contributed to Egypt’s strong overall presence at the event, where the nation once again featured prominently across multiple categories.
Competing alongside world champions and Grand Winners within the Egyptian squad, Omara’s participation reflected the depth and internal competition that characterise Egypt’s national team. His appearance in Istanbul reinforced Egypt’s position as a benchmark nation in international karate, where maintaining elite-level representation across the Premier League circuit is both an expectation and a standard.
Egypt National Team – FACTS
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026
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National team athlete
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Adel Omara – Egyptian National Team competitor
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Team context
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Egypt is one of the most successful nations in WKF kumite
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Multiple Grand Winners and world champions represented Egypt in Istanbul
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Competition level
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Karate One Premier League (elite WKF series)
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Participation limited to top 100 in the WKF World Ranking
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Key takeaway
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Adel Omara’s participation highlighted Egypt’s depth and continued dominance at the highest level of international karate.
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Champions, Farewells, and Clear Messages
The finals also saw dominant performances from established stars. Mo Sheung Grace Lau extended her supremacy in female kata, Kakeru Nishiyama remained untouchable in male kata, and Abdalla Abdelaziz continued his reign in men’s -75 kg.
One of the most emotional moments came when Eray Samdan, after winning gold in men’s -60 kg on home soil, announced his retirement from international competition, closing a remarkable chapter in Turkish karate history.
Beyond the Tatami: Leadership and the Future
The event also featured high-level institutional engagement. WKF President Antonio Espinos visited Istanbul, including the new headquarters of the Turkish Karate Federation, while representatives connected to the Olympic movement attended the competition. These moments highlighted karate’s continued integration within the global sports landscape.
A Season Begins with Clear Signals
Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026 delivered a powerful opening statement. With 376 elite athletes, historic breakthroughs by Agnes Nyman and Nisrine Brouk, the debut of new branding, and emotional moments on and off the tatami, the event captured everything that defines top-level karate.
As the Premier League moves on to Rome, Leshan, and Rabat, the message from Istanbul is clear: the 2026 season will be fiercely competitive, rich in new storylines, and driven by a new generation ready to challenge the established order. The road to glory has truly begun. 🥋
All You Need to Know About Karate One Premier League Istanbul 2026 – WKF
Watch Day 1 of Karate One Premier League Istanbul LIVE! – WKF
Referees review new rules ahead of Karate One Premier League Istanbul – WKF
WKF President Espinós Visits New Turkish Karate Federation Headquarters in Istanbul – WKF
Thrills and Upsets Mark Day Two of Karate One Premier League Istanbul – WKF
IOC Member Ugur Erdener Visits 2026 Karate 1-Premier League in Istanbul – WKF
Istanbul Crowns the First Winners of the 2026 Karate One Premier League – WKF
The Karate 1-Premier League Rabat 2025 ended the WKF season
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