The second day of the 2024 AKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships showcased the best junior karate talent in Asia. The event, held in Manila, the Philippines, drew competitors from across the continent as Japan emerged as a dominant force of the day.

Junior Kata Female: Takata Triumphs

Azusa Takata of Japan claimed victory in the Junior Kata Female category. Takata displayed precision and poise, defeating Vietnam's Ngoc Nhi Bui with a score of 40.70 to 39.30.

Junior Kata Male: Okumura Shines

In the Junior Kata Male category, Soshi Okumura continued Japan's winning streak. Okumura outperformed Indonesia's Naufal Putra Diandra with an impressive 42.90 to 39.90.

Junior Kumite Male -55 kg: Alajmi Edges Abdikadyr

Kuwait's Ali Alajmi clinched gold in the Junior Kumite Male -55 kg category. In a tightly contested match, Alajmi narrowly defeated Kazakhstan's Miras Abdikadyr 3-2.

Junior Kumite Female -48 kg: Uchida Overpowers Sergazina

Towana Uchida of Japan emerged victorious in the Junior Kumite Female -48 kg division. Uchida faced Diyana Sergazina of Kazakhstan, defeating her opponent decisively to secure another gold for Japan.

Junior Kumite Male -61 kg: Nakamura's Clean Sweep

Japan's Taiyo Nakamura delivered a flawless performance in the Junior Kumite Male -61 kg category. Nakamura dominated Iran’s Abolfazl Hamdamjoo, winning the match 5-0 with a combination of speed and technique.

Junior Kumite Female -53 kg: Natori’s Commanding Win

Juria Natori added to Japan’s gold tally with a win in the Junior Kumite Female -53 kg category. Natori bested Vietnam's Thi Ngoc Thanh Nguyen with a 4-1 score.

Junior Kumite Male -68 kg: Yergenbay Edges Zokirov

In the Junior Kumite Male -68 kg division, Kazakhstan’s Beibarys Yergenbay claimed a hard-fought victory. Yergenbay defeated Uzbekistan’s Samandar Zokirov 4-3, securing Kazakhstan’s first gold of the day.

Junior Kumite Female -59 kg: Inada Outclasses Safajoo

Nao Inada of Japan added another gold medal to Japan’s collection in the Junior Kumite Female -59 kg category. Inada showcased her skills against Iran’s Elina Safajoo, winning the bout 3-1.

Junior Kumite Male -76 kg: Kadyrgali Secures Victory

Kazakhstan’s Alikhan Kadyrgali emerged victorious in the Junior Kumite Male -76 kg division. Kadyrgali defeated Iran's Vahab Shahmir 3-1, marking Kazakhstan’s second gold of the day.

Junior Kumite Female -66 kg: Kataoka Prevails

Mizuki Kataoka of Japan won the Junior Kumite Female -66 kg category. Kataoka defeated Thailand’s Wanrada Phetyodsri 4-1, continuing Japan's dominance in the junior female categories.

Junior Kumite Female 66+ kg: Sedaghat's Narrow Win

Iran’s Mahla Sedaghat captured gold in the Junior Kumite Female 66+ kg category. Sedaghat won a close match against Thailand's Chanankan Khieokham, edging her opponent 2-1 in a tightly contested bout.

Junior Kumite Male 76+ kg: Alqahtani’s Commanding Performance

Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Alqahtani delivered a dominant performance in the Junior Kumite Male 76+ kg category. Alqahtani overwhelmed Japan's Toji Miki with a decisive 9-0 victory, ending the day on a high note for his country.

The second day of the AKF Championships highlighted the incredible talent in Asian karate, with Japan leading the charge. As the competition continues, all eyes will be on the rising stars of the sport as they vie for continental supremacy.

2024 AKF CADET, JUNIOR & U21 CHAMPIONSHIPS