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World champion Mehdi Filali: I can't wait to compete again in my country
2025-01-24

Mehdi Filali, the reigning World Champion in Male Kumite +84kg, is ready to lead the French team at the Karate 1-Premier League in Paris this weekend. The opening event of the Karate 1-Premier League takes place in Paris, France where the local athletes hope to leave their mark on home ground.
Now ranked number four in the WKF world rankings, Filali aims to make an impact at home. Speaking ahead of the tournament, he emphasized the importance of the Paris stage. “The Karate 1-Premier League Paris is always special because it's the season's first stage,” Filali said. “It's an important stage because all the athletes want to get the year off to a good start, and even more so this year because the event is included in the qualifying of the individual world championships at the end of the year.”
“The French public will be out in force”
The Paris event holds added significance for Filali, who has fond memories of competing in front of a home crowd. “Having experienced the finals at the Karate 1-Premier League Paris, we know that the French public will be out in force and that there will be a great atmosphere, as there is every year,” he shared.
The 25-year-old karateka is coming off a stellar performance at the last World Senior Championships, where he defeated Egypt’s Taha Tarek Mahmoud 3-1 in the final to claim the world title. Now, Filali is also excited to represent France again on such a prominent stage. “I can't wait to compete again in my country, with my family and friends and in front of the French public,” he said. “Being world champion should be a strength, not a burden. I'm aware of the new status I have, I know I'm going to be awaited and watched, but that's pushed me to be serious in my preparation.”
Goals for a hectic season
Looking ahead, Filali has set his sights on a busy and challenging season. “We’re in a year of individual world championships in November, and I'm already qualified as the world titleholder, which takes a weight off my shoulders and gives me time to prepare to defend my world champion title,” he said. “There's also the World Games in China, which are one of my main objectives, not forgetting the European Championships in Armenia and all the other Karate 1-Premier League events.”
With the new competition format limiting participation to the best athletes in each category, Filali believes the level of competition has been raised significantly. “It's interesting that with this new format, only the world's best in each category can take part in the Karate 1-Premier League, which makes the competitions much more intense,” he said. “As a spectator, I really enjoy watching these competitions; there are some very interesting bouts on every tatami, with some very, very strong athletes.”
As France looks to shine in Paris, all eyes will be on Filali and the French squad to lead the charge and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting event this weekend.
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2025 KARATE 1-PREMIER LEAGUE PARIS