Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah 2026 ends with record participation, global recognition

The final day of the Karate 1-Youth League – Fujairah 2026 concluded on a high and emotional note as the Under-14 champions were crowned, bringing an unforgettable edition of the tournament to a close.

The vibrant atmosphere reflected the strength of karate at the grassroots level, with young athletes demonstrating remarkable confidence, discipline, and technical excellence on the tatami.

In the U-14 divisions, Egypt emerged among the most successful nations, securing multiple gold medals and confirming the strength of its youth development program. Ukraine and Greece also delivered standout performances, earning key victories that highlighted the depth and quality of their age-group systems.

Set against an inspiring and celebratory backdrop at Zayed Sports Complex, the fourth edition of the Karate 1-Youth League – Fujairah 2026 officially drew to a close, marking another milestone in the UAE’s growing legacy of hosting world-class international sporting events.

The championship, which brought together elite young athletes from around the world, was attended by high-ranking officials and prominent sports figures, led by Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation, and Nasser Abdulrazzaq Al Razooqi, President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and Vice President of the World Karate Federation.

Also in attendance were Saeed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, head of Fujairah Court; Qais Al Dhalai, Board Member of the UAE National Olympic Committee and President of the Asian and Arab Rugby Federations; Mohammed Bin Darwish, Executive Director of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Saif Rashid Al Zahmi, Board Member of the UAE Shooting Federation; Ismail Mohammed Al Blooshi, Director of Fujairah International Airport; and Dr. Anwar Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Fujairah, alongside members of the UAE Karate Federation Board and a distinguished group of leaders and officials.

Organizers affirmed that the outstanding organizational success reflects the UAE’s capability to host major international sporting events according to the highest global standards. It further strengthens Fujairah’s position as a global sports destination contributing to sports development, youth empowerment, and the making of future champions.

The closing ceremony carried a profound national and humanitarian message through the operetta titled “Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed… The Man of Peace and Humanity,” which embodied the values of tolerance and peace through impactful artistic performances, reflecting the spirit and global message of the UAE.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, is widely recognized by the title "Man of Humanity" for his extensive global peace and relief initiatives.

The event also featured the display of an image of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, in appreciation of his leadership role and continued support for national sports and for enhancing the UAE’s regional and international standing.

The UAE Karate Federation honored strategic partners and sponsors, as well as several individuals who contributed to the event’s success, recognizing their effective role in supporting the sports movement.

The competitions concluded with thrilling U-14 finals, reflecting the advanced technical level of young talents. Major General Razooqi expressed pride in the championship’s remarkable success, affirming the UAE Karate Federation’s readiness to organize major international tournaments in cooperation with the World Karate Federation, and praising the efforts of the organizing committees and supporting entities behind the success of Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah 2026.

The championship achieved exceptional record-breaking numbers, with 2,338 male and female athletes representing 93 countries, alongside 436 referees participating in the accompanying course, 159 international referees officiating the competitions, and 505 accredited coaches. The event attracted an audience exceeding 18,000 spectators, underscoring Fujairah’s growing status as a global destination for combat sports.