Fujairah at the forefront in Middle East hosting the Karate One-Youth League

Fujairah continues to host one of the most prominent stages of the 2026 World Karate Youth League, representing the only stop in the Middle East within the series of competitions organized by the World Karate Federation, with wide participation from elite players.

On the third day of competitions at Zayed Sports Complex in Fujairah, the event was attended by Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi, President of the Emirates Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation, alongside Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation, Major General Nasser Abdulrazzaq Al Razooqi, President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the International Federation, and several members of the UAE Karate Federation board.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Hamad Bin Saif Al Sharqi praised the high technical and organizational level of the championship, emphasizing that the professionalism in organizing the event contributed to its success and highlighted the UAE’s status as a host of world-class sporting events.

Meanwhile, Major General Razooqi lauded the efforts of the organizing committees, noting that continuous meetings and coordination among teams played a pivotal role in the success of the event and in enhancing community participation.

He also stressed the importance of the championship in supporting karate and strengthening its international presence.

For his part, Rashid Abdulmajid Al Ali, Vice President of the UAE and Asian Federations and a member of the Executive Board of the International Federation, confirmed that Fujairah spares no effort to ensure the success of the championship. He noted that previous editions have cemented the UAE’s reputation as a preferred destination for hosting tournaments, thanks to the quality of organization and services provided.

Brigadier Marwan Sinkel, Vice President of the UAE Karate Federation, pointed out that the 2026 Fujairah edition represents a key stage in the youth league calendar, explaining that the level of competition is comparable to that of the Youth World Championship, with expectations of strong contests and sporting surprises at the Zayed Sports Complex.

Dr. Abdullah Al Badi, Assistant Secretary-General of the UAE Karate Federation and General Coordinator of the championship, stated that the Fujairah edition is expected to set several records, whether in terms of participation, audience turnout, or the technical level of the competitions.

Mohammed Harbouk Al Shehi, Board Member and Financial Director of the UAE Karate Federation, highlighted that the championship enjoys significant media and community attention, noting that the interest in the Fujairah edition reflects the emirate’s role in supporting combat sports.

Ibrahim Al Naeimi, Board Member and Member of the Asian Competitions Organizing Committee, affirmed that the championship’s success is the result of strong support, continuous follow-up, and coordination with relevant authorities and the international federation, amid widespread international praise for the event’s high organizational standards.

Maryam Al Shamsi, Board Member and Chair of the Women’s Committee, expressed her happiness with the bronze medal won by Habiba Yasser, a national team player in the Kumite (under 48 kg) category, noting that this achievement reflects the advancement of UAE karate.

Ahmed Salem Basleeb, Board Member and Vice President of the National Teams Committee, also praised the efforts of the championship’s organizing teams, particularly the organizing committee and its youth group, describing their intensive work as highly commendable.