The 2024 Karate 1 Premier League in Cairo commenced with a thrilling opening day as the world's top karate athletes descended upon the Egyptian capital to fight for the medals. Local karatekas, headed by World champion Youssef Badawy and Olympian Abdalla Abdelaziz were the big winners of Day 1.

Female Kata: Ono vs. Mishima in Final Showdown

In the Female Kata category, Japan's Maho Ono and Kiri Mishima emerged victorious to secure their spots in the final. Ono, who is leading the standings of the category narrowly defeated compatriot Saeko Azuma, with scores of 42.6 to 42.00.

Meanwhile, Mishima edged out Hong Kong's Mo Sheung Grace Lau in a closely contested battle (41.60 to 41.50). The result was one of the big upsets of the day as Mo Sheung Grace Lau is an Olympic Games medallist and World Championships runner-up and co-leader of the standings of the category.

Male Kumite -75KG: Yurur and Abdelaziz Set for Clash

Omer Faruk Yurur of Turkiye and Egypt's Abdalla Abdelaziz advanced to the final in the Male Kumite -75KG category. Yurur showcased his dominance with a comprehensive victory over Youssef Farag of Egypt 4-0, while Abdelaziz overpowered France's Enzo Berthon to secure his place in the final (9-1).

With his triumph today, Olympian Abdelaziz opened the successful day for the hosts as he made it to his third final in three Karate 1-Premier League events this season following his victories in Paris and Antalya.

Perfect picture Mawashigeri featuring Abdalla Hammad (JOR)

Female Kumite -61KG: Nilsson and Khamis Eye Gold

Sweden's Anna-Johanna Nilsson and Germany's Reem Khamis emerged victorious in the Female Kumite -61KG category. Nilsson narrowly defeated Nina Radjenovic of Switzerland 2-1, while Khamis triumphed over Sarara Shimada of Japan in a hard-fought battle 4-3.

Khamis is the current Grand Winner of the category while Nilsson reached her first final in two years after her silver at the 2022 Karate 1-Premier League Baku.

Male Kumite -60KG: Hashimoto and Hammad Advance to Final

Japan's Hiromu Hashimoto and Abdallah Hammad of Jordan secured their spots in the final of the Male Kumite -60KG category. Hammad displayed his prowess with a dominant win over Abdullah Shaaban of Kuwait 5-0, while Hashimoto emerged victorious against Egypt's Zyad Aly 9-3.

Hashimoto used his Grand Winner status to make it to his second final this year after taking silver in Paris. Hammad will be aiming to his second Karate 1-Premier League gold after reaching the top of the podium in the 2022 Karate 1-Premier League Fujairah.

Alexandra Grande (PER) attempts the Ippon


Female Kumite -50KG: Zhangbyrbay and Aly Reach Final

Moldir Zhangbyrbay of Kazakhstan and Ganna Aly of Egypt advanced to the final in the Female Kumite -50KG category. Zhangbyrbay, who is an Olympian and gold medallist at the Karate 1-Premier League Antalya secured her spot with a narrow victory over Ema Sgardelli of Croatia 2-1.

Continuing the success of local athletes, Aly triumphed over Sofia Cardenas of Colombia 6-2 and qualified for her first Karate 1-Premier League final.

Male Kumite -84KG: Badawy and Aljafari Seal Final Berths

Egypt's Youssef Badawy and Mohammad Aljafari of Jordan emerged victorious in the Male Kumite -84KG category and took the final spots in the category. Local star Badawy displayed his dominance with a convincing win over Valerii Sonnykh of Ukraine 5-0, thus aiming to add the title at home to his current World, Continental, and Karate 1-Premier League Antalya crowns.

Aljafari secured his spot in the final with a dominant performance against Ivan Kvesic of Croatia 5-0 and he hopes to improve the silver medal he took in Antalya.

The first day of the 2024 Karate 1 Premier League in Cairo showcased the immense skill and determination of the world's top karate athletes. The tournament is available LIVE and FREE on the WKF YouTube channel.

Karate enthusiasts are encouraged to subscribe to the WKF YouTube channel and set a reminder for the live-streaming sessions, ensuring they don't miss a moment of the gripping action. For live updates and exclusive content, follow the WKF on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and TikTok.  

2024 KARATE 1-PREMIER LEAGUE CAIRO