The current season’s III Youth League tournament, held in Poreč, Croatia on June 26-29, was also remembered with interesting moments. 3,200 athletes from 78 countries participated in the prestigious competition held at the Zatika sports complex. Children, teenagers and young karatekas, divided into four age groups between 12 and 20 years old, competed in 46 weight categories.
Dombrovskiy Vladyslav, who competed in the junior 52 kg weight category, lost 6 out of 7 rounds to win the bronze medal. Although he lost in the third match, he won 5 consecutive victories in the consolation matches to rise to the podium.
Mezentseva Kateryna, competing in the 65 kg weight category among junior girls, lost to her Ukrainian compatriot 0:2 in the semifinals and had to fight for third place. She also failed in the next match, losing by a narrow margin to Romanian Balanescu Ioana.
Another Ukrainian athlete, Muravska Yelyzaveta, competing in the 47 kg weight class among junior girls, had won four of her previous five fights, but ended her fight in the consolation round, losing 0:5 to her Polish opponent Meller Adianna, one fight away from the bronze medal.
In the competition among athletes under 14, Yukhymovych Hlib also suffered the same fate as her compatriot Muravska Y.. Yukhymovych H., who lost after three victories, defeated Italian Fotino Samuele 5:0 in the consolation matches, but lost to Ukrainian Osadchyi Semen in the bronze medal match with a different score. 1:3.
It should be noted that 318 Ukrainian athletes participated in the Youth League held in Poreč. The largest number of athletes was registered from Italy with 461 people. Numerous children, teenagers and young karatekas from Croatia, Germany, Poland, Romania, England, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Czech Republic also participated in the competition.
A number of athletes became tournament champions for the first time. Among them, among the cadets Werzgyn Nada (Kata Female, ENG), Calvin Mc Cann (Kata Male, IRL), Podvorec Nives (Kumite Female -47 Kg, GER,) Maria Datsiuk (Kumite Female -54 Kg, UKR), Selja Acic (Kumite Female -61 Kg, BIH), Aanstasia Eirini Pergalia (Kumite Female 61+ kg, GRE), Szocs Miksa (Kumite Male -52 Kg, HUN), Quaranta Calogero (Kumite Male -57 Kg,
BEL), Martin Enev (Kumite Male -63 Kg, CZE), Kanivets Vladyslav (Kumite Male -70 Kg, UKR) and Simone Giuliano (Kumite Male +71 Kg, ITA), in juniors Oliveira Martim (Kata Male, POR), Yildirim Defne Eda (Kumite Female -48 Kg, TUR), Klaric Korina (Kumite Female -59 Kg, CRO), Khalimov Khumoyunmirzo (Kumite Male -55 Kg, UZB), Bechtioi Taha (Kumite Male -61 Kg, SWE) and Mokas Michail (Kumite Male -76+ Kg, GRE), also in under 21 years old Pappalardo Vincenzo (Kata Male, ITA), Snajder Darija (Kumite Female -61 Kg, CRO), Fleischer Dora (Kumite Female 68+ Kg, HUN), Hamill Adam ((Kumite Male -60 Kg, SCO), Baliotis Georgios (Kumite Male -67 Kg, GRE), Paljevac Sinan (Kumite Male -84 Kg, BIH) and Sekot Nikolai (Kumite Male 84+ Kg, GER) won the first gold medal in Youth League career.
The next, fourth round of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Karate 1 Series Youth League will be held in Monterrey, Mexico, from August 7 to 10. The final round of the season will be held in Venice, Italy, from December 4-7.
The WKF Youth Camp concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony in Poreč, Croatia, marking another historic edition of the largest event for young karate athletes in the world. Over 3,900 participants from 78 countries gathered for three days of training, learning, and cultural exchange.
Mr Espinós said: “The significance of the new edition of the WKF Youth Camp and the Karate 1-Youth League in Poreč, Croatia, within the global karate community cannot be overstated. These events have become some of the largest gatherings for young karate practitioners anywhere in the world, and reflect the remarkable impact karate has in shaping the character, discipline, and skills of young people. The continued growth and success of these events have firmly established Poreč as one of the main centres for youth karate globally, and this achievement would not be possible without the outstanding efforts of the Croatian Karate Union. Year after year, they deliver a world-class event, ensuring a seamless experience for athletes, coaches, and officials alike.”
“I would especially like to commend Mr. Davor Cipek, President of the Croatian Karate Union, for his leadership and commitment to promoting karate at all levels. His work, together with his team, has set a high standard in event organisation and in fostering a culture that nurtures young talent. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved and my best wishes to all participants as these events not only celebrate competition but also friendship, respect, and the lifelong values that karate inspires,” he added.
Held annually in Croatia since 2014, the WKF Youth Training Camp continues to break participation records year after year. The 2025 edition proved once again why this event is considered the heart of youth karate. Young athletes trained alongside some of karate’s top champions, gaining invaluable experience and inspiration.
President Espinós was joined by Davor Cipek, President of the Croatian Karate Union and WKF Executive Committee member. Together, they praised the exceptional organisation of the event and the ongoing commitment of Croatia to karate’s global development.
Mr Cipek said: “Hosting such an event is both a great recognition and a great responsibility for us. I truly hope that this WKF Youth Training Camp will be a unique opportunity for all young participants to build new friendships, share experiences, and acquire valuable knowledge that will enrich them both as athletes and as individuals. Croatia has a long-standing tradition in karate, and I am confident that our athletes, spectators, and the entire atmosphere of Poreč will reflect the warmth, hospitality, and sporting spirit that we are known for.”
The 17th edition of the WKF Youth Camp brought together a distinguished group of instructors, including Olympic and World Champions. Young karatekas had the unique opportunity to train under the guidance of Two-time European Champion Anđelo Kvesić of Croatia, Olympic Champion and three-time World Champion Luigi Busà (Italy), Olympic Champion and three-time World and European Champion Steven Da Costa (France), 2024 Karate 1-Premier League Grand Winner, two-time Asian silver medallist Maho Ono, and four-time World Team Champion Koji Arimoto,
The continued success of the camp reflects not only the growing popularity of the sport but also the strength of the global karate community.
Over 3,900 participants from 78 countries gathered for the successful WKF Youth Camp.
Pictures: Gökhan Taner / Karate Insights
Karate 1-Youth League, Porec (Croatia) – WKF
Massive Start to 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Porec – WKF
All You Need to Know About 2025 Karate 1-Youth League Porec – WKF
Young Champions Show Values of Karate on Final Day of Karate 1-Youth League in Poreč – WKF
Young Karate Talents Shine on Action-Packed Day Two in Porec – WKF
Popularity of Karate at Young Ages Showcased on Day 3 of 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Porec – WKF
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