The first Karate 1-Youth League event of the season started Thursday in Fujairah. Hundreds of youngsters from all over the world are clashing for the medals in the anticipated event.

The opening day had the U21 categories taking the stage. Powerhouse nation of Italy registered an impressive start to the competition with three gold medals.

Chiara Tagliafierro opened the gold medal count for Italy with her triumph in U21 Kata Female while teammate Guido Polsinelli claimed the title in U21 Kata Male. The third crown for the Italian delegation was taken by Sofia Ferrarini who prevailed in U21 Kumite Female -68kg

Athletes from Kazakhstan also showed top form today and claimed three gold medals as well. Nikol Tsengel of Kazakhstan won the crown in U21 Female Kumite -61kg while Zholaman Bigabyl prevailed in U21 Kumite Male -60kg, just as teammate Aidos Mukhat in U21 Kumite Male -67kg

African nations took the spotlight today with gold medals going to Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. Hiba Fellaoui of Morocco won the title in U21 Kumite Female -50kg as Louiza Abouriche of Algeria triumphed in U21 Kumite Female -55kg. Egypt’s Omar Salah Fadel won the title in U21 Kumite Male -75kg              

Presenting the largest delegation in Fujairah, the leading nation of Iran also celebrated a victory today as Mobina Mousavi Nejad Seyedh won the title in U21 Kumite Female +68kg.

Belgium’s Danyil Anisimov in U21 Kumite Male -84kg and Sanad Sufyani of Saudi Arabia in U21 Kumite Male +84kg completed the list of gold medallists in U21 categories.

The competition continues Friday with the Junior divisions.

2023 KARATE 1-YOUTH LEAGUE FUJAIRAH

(Picture: @gokhantnr)