Record-breaking participation, key surprises announced for Karate Youth 1 League Fujairah

The UAE Karate Federation unveiled full details of the 2026 Karate Youth World League during a press conference held at Fujairah Creative City, confirming the Emirate’s readiness to host one of the largest global karate gatherings to date.

The championship will take place at the Zayed Sports Complex from February 12 to 15, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants, including athletes, coaches, referees, and official delegations from around the world.

The press conference highlighted unprecedented participation figures, underscoring the championship’s soaring global appeal. A total of 2,338 male and female athletes representing 93 countries have registered, alongside 436 referees taking part in the event’s officiating seminar and 159 international referees assigned to manage the competitions. The presence of 505 accredited coaches further reinforces Fujairah’s growing reputation as a premier international hub for combat sports.

The press conference event was attended by key officials, including Rashid Abdul Majeed Al Ali, Vice President of both the UAE and Asian Karate Federations, Executive Board Member of the World Karate Federation; Engineer Humaid Shamis Al Zarouni, General Secretary of the UAE and Arab Karate Federations and championship director; and Dr. Abdullah Saif Al Badi, Assistant Secretary-General of the UAE Karate Federation and General Coordinator of the championship.

Al Ali emphasized the strong media and community attention surrounding the event, noting that the enthusiasm for the Fujairah edition reflects the emirate’s pivotal role in promoting combat sports and strengthening karate’s global presence.

He credited the leadership of Major General (Ret.) Nasser Abdulrazzaq Al Razouqi—President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the International Federation—for bolstering institutional development and fostering strong ties with the global governing body.

Championship Director Al Zarouni highlighted that Fujairah’s hosting of the event for the fourth consecutive year solidifies its position as the world capital of combat sports. He pointed to the emirate’s advanced sports infrastructure and the professional capabilities of the Zayed Sports Complex as key drivers behind the event’s continued success.

General Coordinator Dr. Al Badi noted that the 2026 edition marks the championship’s largest participation to date, both in numbers and geographic diversity. He added that this year’s event will feature several attractions and special activities, including raffles for airline tickets to Mumbai and Kannur sponsored by Fujairah International Airport.

With its record-breaking scale and global reach, the 2026 Karate Youth World League is set to become one of the most significant international sporting events of the year—further cementing Fujairah’s rising stature on the world sports map.