The second day of the 2024 AKF Senior Championships in Hangzhou, China, was packed with emotion and intensity. The final qualifying spots for the highly anticipated Karate World Cup in Pamplona later this year were up for grabs, heightening the stakes. The event also featured the inspiring performances of para-karate athletes, who captivated the audience with their skill and determination.

Male Team Kata: Kuwait vs. Vietnam Set for the Finals

Kuwait will face Vietnam in the Male Team Jata final after an exciting day of competition. Kuwait overcame Iran with a score of 39.70 to 39.40, while Vietnam edged out Hong Kong China 39.20 to 38.80.

Female Team Kata: Vietnam to Face Japan in the Finals

In the Female Team Kata competition, Vietnam will take on Japan. Vietnam defeated Hong Kong China 39.40 to 38.60, and Japan displayed dominance by defeating Iran 40.40 to 39.00.

Male Team Kumite: Kazakhstan and Japan Reach the Finals

Kazakhstan and Japan will clash in the Male Team Kumite final after hard-fought victories. Kazakhstan defeated Jordan, while Japan narrowly edged Iran 3-2.

Female Team Kumite: China vs. Vietnam in the Final

In the Female Team Kumite, China will face Vietnam in the final. China triumphed over Japan 2-1, giving local fans many reasons to celebrate. Vietnam defeated Chinese Taipei 2-0.

Female Kata: Maho Ono Set for Finals Against Grace Lau

Japan’s Maho Ono will face Hong Kong’s Mo Sheung Grace Lau in the final of the Female Kata competition. Ono earned her spot after beating Sakura Alforte of the Philippines, while Lau triumphed over Iran’s Fatemeh Dastak Sadeghi with a score of 40.70 to 39.40.

Male Kata: Sayed Salman Almosawi vs. Kakeru Nishiyama

The Male Kata final will see Kuwait’s Sayed Salman Almosawi go up against Japan’s Kakeru Nishiyama. Almosawi advanced after defeating Salih Binar Hama of Iraq with a score of 41.00 to 39.10. Nishiyama delivered the highest kata score of the day, beating Jeremy Laurence Nopre of the Philippines 41.80 to 40.10.

Para-Karate Shines in Inspiring Competitions

The Para-karate divisions, always a highlight, took centre stage in three categories: Blind/Visually Impaired (K10), Intellectually Impaired (K21 and K22), and Wheelchair User (K30). These athletes showed resilience and technique, earning admiration from all, with athletes showcasing their precision and mastery of kata and competitors executing their routines with intensity and grace.

The excitement in Hangzhou continues to grow as the 2024 AKF Senior Championships edge closer to the finals, with athletes across all categories giving it their all in pursuit of victory. The final day will see the new champions being proclaimed in all the categories and the team competition putting a golden finishing touch as the best karate in the world heads to Pamplona 2024.

2024 AKF SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS