Record-Breaking #Karate1Venice Kicks Off with Massive Celebration of Youth Karate
12/5/2024
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The 2024 Karate 1 Youth League began in spectacular fashion in Venice, Italy, solidifying its status as the largest event for young karatekas worldwide. Over 4,000 athletes from 81 countries have gathered at this iconic tournament, which has become the most attended edition in the series' history.
U21 Kumite Female -50 kg: Hsin-Yu Chan (Chinese Taipei)
Hsin-Yu Chan of Chinese Taipei secured her place as champion with a nail-biting 1-0 victory over Croatia's Ema Sgardelli. In a tense bout, Chan's single decisive score proved enough to clinch gold.
U21 Kumite Female -61 kg: Sydney Yvon (France)
France's Sydney Yvon demonstrated skilful technique and determination, defeating Slovakia's Anna Vaczy 2-0. Yvon maintained control to earn the gold medal.
U21 Kumite Female 68+ kg: Yuliia Rusu (Ukraine)
Ukraine's dominance on day 1 was demonstrated in the category of U21 Kumite Female +68kg as Yuliia Rusu overcame compatriot Yuliia Krot in an intense matchup. Rusu's 3-1 victory showcased her ability in a highly competitive category.
U21 Kumite Male -67 kg: Suren Harutyunyan (Armenia)
Armenia's Suren Harutyunyan edged out Italy's Samuele Rufini 2-1 in a closely fought match. Harutyunyan's efforts secured him the top spot in this category.
U21 Kata Female: Chiara Manca (Belgium)
Belgium's Chiara Manca claimed victory in the kata category with a commanding performance. Scoring 24.80 against France's Maï-Linh Bui, who earned 24.30, Manca's technical performance took her to the top of the podium.
U21 Kumite Female -55 kg: Rebecca Ortu (Italy)
Rebecca Ortu thrilled the home crowd with a dominant 5-0 win over Ksenyia Dronchanka of Poland. Ortu's skills made her triumph one of the highlights of the day.
U21 Kumite Female -68 kg: Hannah Riedel (Germany)
Germany's Hannah Riedel showcased a flawless performance, overpowering Ema Tinavska of Czechia with a decisive 5-0 victory.
U21 Kumite Male -60 kg: Amin Abdelmalki (Belgium)
Belgium's second gold came courtesy of Amin Abdelmalki, who defeated Romania's Erhan Tornaci 2-1. Abdelmalki's precision in a tightly contested bout secured his place at the top of the podium.
U21 Kumite Male -75 kg: Heorhii Pitsul (Ukraine)
Ukraine's Heorhii Pitsul delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Netherlands' Van Sebastiaan Teeffelen 7-2. Pitsul's powerful techniques and strategic execution led to one of the most convincing victories of the day.
U21 Kata Male: Sluga Jure (Slovenia)
Slovenia's Sluga Jure displayed exceptional skill in the kata category, narrowly defeating Italy's Guido Polsinelli with a score of 24.50 to 24.30. Jure's performance highlighted precision, earning him the gold medal.
Day one of the 2024 Karate 1 Youth League in Venice set the tone for an unforgettable competition. With medals shared across eight nations and over 4,000 young athletes competing, this event not only celebrates individual excellence but also the unifying spirit of karate on a global stage.
2024 KARATE 1-YOUTH LEAGUE VENICE
Pictures: Nathan Blockley @kaizenculture__