Karate’s biggest event is making a highly anticipated return to China. The second Karate 1-Premier League event of the season will be hosted in Hangzhou from March 14 to 16, marking the sport’s resurgence in the country after six years.

The competition has drawn nearly 400 athletes from 67 countries, with most categories reaching their maximum allowed competitors. This demonstrates the global appeal of the Karate 1-Premier League and the growing enthusiasm for the sport in China.

The Karate 1-Premier League in Hangzhou marks only the second time that Karate’s biggest event has taken place in China. The first Karate 1-Premier League was held in Shanghai in 2019 and was a milestone for the sport in the country.

That tournament saw over 500 athletes from 70 nations compete at the highest level. Champions included Spain’s Sandra Sanchez, Ukraine’s Anzhelika Terliuga, China’s own Xiaoyan Yin, Japan’s Ryo Kiyuna, Iran’s Sajad Ganjzadeh, and Turkiye’s Ugur Aktas, among others.

The 2019 event was a true celebration of karate, showcasing the skill and determination of the world’s best athletes. It also set the stage for more high-profile karate competitions in China.

Hangzhou: A Hub for Karate Excellence

Since 2019, China has continued to host major karate tournaments, further strengthening its position as a key player in the sport. In 2024, Hangzhou welcomed the AKF Senior Championships at the same venue that will host next week’s Karate 1-Premier League. The city also successfully staged the 2022 Asian Games, where karate was a standout event.

Looking ahead, China will once again be in the global karate spotlight as it hosts The World Games in Chengdu later this year, with karate among the headline events. The AKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships will also be held in China, with the tournament travelling to Guangzhou in September.

The return of the Karate 1-Premier League is a testament to the sport’s rapid growth in China. More athletes are taking up karate, and the country is producing top-level competitors who shine on the international stage. The upcoming event in Hangzhou is expected to further fuel interest in the sport and inspire the next generation of karate champions. Karate’s return to China marks an important milestone, reinforcing the country’s role in the global expansion of the sport.

2025 KARATE 1-PREMIER LEAGUE HANGZHOU