The second day of the 2024 Karate 1 Premier League in Casablanca concluded with the crowning of the Grand Winners in all remaining categories. These athletes have proven themselves to be the best of the best, solidifying their positions at the top of the sport.

Male Kata: Nishiyama Dominates

Kakeru Nishiyama of Japan confirmed his Grand Winner status by defeating Kazumasa Moto 44.90 to 43.40 in the semi-finals. Nishiyama, the world-ranking leader and current continental champion, has won gold in all Karate 1 Premier League events this season.

Ryuji Moto, a second-time finalist, beat Sakichi Abe 43.00 to 42.30. Nishiyama remains the best of the best and earns the right to wear the special karategi with golden embroidery on the shoulders for one more year.

Female Kumite -68 kg: Quirici Retains Grand Winner Awards

Elena Quirici of Switzerland defended her Grand Winner title in style as she beat Elina Sieliemeenieva of Ukraine by "Hantei" or decision 0-0 in the final event of the season.  Quirici, a seven-time Karate 1 Premier League winner, keeps her Grand Winner award after winning gold in Antalya.

In the final, the new Grand Winner will clash against Hadir Hendy of Egypt, a first-time finalist, who defeated Anita Makyan of Armenia 9-1. It is the first time that Hendy reaches the medal bouts of an international event.

Said Oubaya won the Grand Winner award at home

Male Kumite -67 kg: Oubaya Wins Grand Winner Award at Home as Almasatfa and Kozaki Clash for Gold

Abdel Rahman Almasatfa of Jordan, the current Grand Winner, beat Muhammed Oezdemir of Germany 7-6. Meanwhile, Yugo Kozaki of Japan defeated Amar Youness Oualad Haj of Belgium 7-0 so to meet in the final of the category of Male Kumite -67kg.

The Grand Winner award was claimed by Said Oubaya of Morocco, who wins the best of the best recognition at home. Oubaya, the number one in the WKF world ranking, has won medals in all three events of the season, including golds in Paris and Antalya.

Female Kumite -55 kg: Toro's Ascent to Stardom

Valentina Toro of Chile, a two-time continental champion, won against Viola Lallo of Italy 7-5 in the semi-finals to reach her second final of Karate 1-Premier League. Toro, who won her first Karate 1 Premier League title this year in Cairo, also secured the Grand Winner award for the first time. With this recognition, Toro confirms her ascent to Karate’s elite after dominating the sport at the continental level.

Cok Istri Agung Sanistyani of Indonesia, a two-time bronze medallist, is the other finalist as she beat Rezzan Im Zumra of Turkiye 1-0. The Indonesian karateka is a two-time Karate 1-Premier League bronze medallist and reaches her first final.

Female Kumite 68+ kg: Torres Takes Grand Winner as Berultseva and Garcia Will Meet for Gold

Sofya Berultseva of Kazakhstan defeated Shaaban Okila Menna of Egypt 6-1. Berultseva, a four-time winner, will compete in her seventh final as she will encounter Nancy Garcia of France. The French karateka beat Meltem Hocaoglu Akyol of Turkiye 2-0 to try to win her third title.

The Grand Winner in this category is Maria Torres of Spain, who wins her first Grand Winner award after taking gold and silver at the World Championships and medals in all three events this season, including gold in Paris.

Taha Tarek Mahmoud celebrates

Male Kumite 84+ kg: Mahmoud Shines

Ryzvan Talibov of Ukraine won against Mehdi Filali of France 5-2. Talibov, a three-time winner, will fight in his fifth final. Meanwhile, Taha Tarek Mahmoud of Egypt beat Amir Zouaoui of France 5-0. Mahmoud has won medals in all three events this season, including gold in Paris, and confirms his Grand Winner title with this fantastic season, adding the accolade to his two continental crowns and his World Championship silver medal.

The second day of the Karate 1 Premier League in Casablanca showcased the remarkable talents of the world's top karatekas, with all Grand Winners demonstrating their excellence in their categories. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the bronze medal bouts and finals.

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 CASABLANCA