Dominant Arab athletes steal the show at Karate 1 Youth League Fujairah

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Arab athletes shone on the first day of the Karate 1 Youth League Fujairah, clinching a total of 15 medals in the under-21 category for men and women.

The medal won by them include six gold, five silvers, and four bronzes. The championship is being Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.

Egypt led the medal table with 13 medals, including six golds, three silvers, and four bronzes. Kuwait and Jordan each won a silver medal.

The championship attracted huge crowds, with numerous schools and universities in Fujairah sending spectators to witness the game's stars compete amidst a fantastic atmosphere.

The Karate 1 Youth League Fujairah was graced by the presence of Antonio Espinos, President of the International Federation, and Major General Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi, President of both the UAE and Asian Federations, also Vice President of the International Federation.

In the women's under-21 Kata competition, Iran's Malika Izajati won gold, with silver going to Natasha Fernandes of Portugal, and bronze to Emily Ondroscova of the Czech Republic and Rita Spirert of Germany. Italy's Giudo Polsinelli clinched gold in the men's Kata, with silver awarded to Uzbekistan's Samandar Orazaliev and bronze to Luigi Matsoni and Fordico Arnoni of Italy.

Egyptian athletes dominated several weight categories in both genders, including Fatima Gadallah, Menna Allah El Hawary, Fatima Sorour, Myar Zain Al Abidin, Jana Al Jaafari, and Ihab Ali, securing gold medals in their respective weight divisions.

Rashid Abdul Majid Al Ali, Asian Karate Federation Vice-President and UAE Karate Federation Vice-President, expressed his delight at the level of competition in Fujairah, highlighting the UAE's pivotal role in hosting successful international events. He praised the efforts of Major General Nasser Abdul Razzaq Al Razooqi and the organising team for their dedication to making the tournament a success. He emphasised the outstanding facilities and excellent organisation that contribute to making the UAE a desirable destination for athletes worldwide.