The 2023 Karate 1-Youth League Merida concluded Sunday with a final day that had U14 categories taking the stage. Representatives of the United States and Chile were the big winners with three golds each.

USA’s Edmond Zhuo inaugurated the gold medal count for the United States on day four of the competition. The promising karateka prevailed in U14 Male Kata. In a surprising performance, the young karateka also won gold in U14 Kumite Male -45kg, thus becoming one of the stars of the tournament.  Teammate Mihaela Arcalean wrapped up the title count for the United States today with the title in U14 Kumite Female -52kg.

The delegation of Chile also registered a successful day in Merida. Victoria Correa won the crown in U14 Kumite Female -42kg as Myhellen Alvarado took the title in U14 Kumite Female +52kg. The third gold for Chile was claimed by Vicente Carreno Olvarria in U14 Kumite Male +55kg.

The flag of the host country went up to the top of the podium today since Hector Leonardo Iniesta Meza won gold in U14 Kumite Male -40kg. The second title of the day for Mexico was claimed by Saul Alejandro Delgado Sanchez in U14 Kumite Male -50kg.

Powerhouse nation of Canada also celebrated medals on the final day, with Iliana Karagianni becoming the champion of U14 Kumite Female -47kg. Belen Guzman Vergara of the Dominican Republic in U14 Kata Female, and Valentino Yael Lavado Rojas of Peru in U14 Kumite Male -55kg complete the list of gold medallists in U14 divisions.

After the Karate 1-Youth League in Merida, Karate’s first-class series of events for youngsters will travel to Venice (Italy) for the final event of the season from December 7 to 10.

Pictures: Ivan Lopez / FEMEKA)