Thrilling Finale at PKF Senior Championships in Punta del Este Crowns Top Teams and Para-Karate Champions
5/27/2024
Continental Championships
The final day of the PKF Senior Championships in Punta del Este was a showcase of top-tier karate, with team competitions and para-karate divisions taking centre stage. The day concluded with the crowning of the best teams in the continent and the qualification of representatives for the World Team Championships in Pamplona 2024. Here’s a detailed look at the results from each category.
Female Team Kata: Colombia Stun Favourites
In a closely contested final, Colombia emerged victorious in the Female Team Kata, defeating Brazil with a score of 39.40 to 37.60. The bronze medals were claimed by Peru and Mexico. In the qualification event for Pamplona 2024, Peru edged out Mexico with a score of 39.50 to 37.40, securing their spot at the World Team Championships.
Female Team Kumite: United States Show Strength
The United States triumphed in the Female Team Kumite, narrowly beating Chile 2-1. The bronze medals went to Venezuela and Ecuador. In the intense qualification event for Pamplona 2024, Ecuador defeated Venezuela 2-1, earning their place in the upcoming global competition.
Male Team Kata: Brazil Take Gold
Brazil clinched the title in the Male Team Kata, winning against Colombia with a score of 41.6 to 41.40. The bronze medals were awarded to Peru and Chile. During the qualification for Pamplona 2024, Peru outperformed Chile, scoring 40.40 to 38.20, securing their spot in the championships.
Male Team Kumite: United States Win Double Crown
In the Male Team Kumite, the United States claimed victory over Brazil with a decisive 3-1 win, thus taking the double crown in Team Kumite after winning both the Male and Female divisions. Colombia and Argentina took home the bronze medals. In the qualification round for Pamplona 2024, Colombia dominated Argentina with a 3-0 win, ensuring their participation in the World Team Championships.
The final day of the PKF Senior Championships also put the Para-Karate divisions on the central stage in a showcase of power of will.
Blind/Visually Impaired Male K10
Jose Roberto Gonzalez of Mexico showcased exceptional skill in the Blind/Visually Impaired Male K10 category, defeating Sabahudin Tricic of the United States with a score of 36.9 to 33.9.
Intellectually Impaired Female K21
Maria Jose Vergara of Chile triumphed in the Intellectually Impaired Female K21 category, winning against Patricia Wright of Canada with a score of 36.2 to 34.3.
Intellectually Impaired Female K22
Natalie Olson of Canada secured the top spot in the Intellectually Impaired Female K22 division, beating Lucero Alvarez of Chile with a score of 36.6 to 34.4.
Intellectually Impaired Male K21
In the Intellectually Impaired Male K21 category, Vergara Bustos of Chile emerged victorious against Cristian Reyes of Chile with a score of 36.1 to 34.5.
Intellectually Impaired Male K22
Nicolas Vilches of Chile claimed the title in the Intellectually Impaired Male K22 division, defeating Jose Luis Guerrero of Mexico with a score of 35.5 to 35.1.
Wheelchair User Female K30
Darien Paula Ulloa of Chile showcased outstanding performance in the Wheelchair User Female K30 category, overcoming Jocelyn Torres of Chile with a score of 39 to 37.3.
Wheelchair User Male K30
Jaime Ruiz of Brazil emerged as the winner in the Wheelchair User Male K30 division, defeating Andrius Vicente of Brazil with a score of 40.9 to 38.6.
The final day of the PKF Senior Championships highlighted the incredible talent and dedication of karatekas across the Americas. With the representatives for Pamplona2024 now qualified, Karate’s top event in the Americas ends with a promise of more Karate values at the next event next year in Mexico.
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(Pictures: Gokhan Taner)