From November 16th to 21th, Dubai should write a new chapter in karate history. After a successful Olympic Games, karate must renew itself and ride this wave.

In Dubai, some are not there (Busa, the Iranian team…) but the "next gen" is promising and we cannot wait to discover it. Focus on the key points of this competition.

By Florian Fournier in Dubai / Photo : WKF

Japan 90% renewed

Besides Ryo Kiyuna in men's kata and Miyo Miyahara in -50 kg, the Japanese team is completely renewed. If we can note the comeback of Koji Arimoto, 2012 world champion in the men's kata team, the rest of the Japan team will be made up of youngsters.

Steven Da Costa to become a legend

2018 world champion, 2021 Olympic champion, Steven Da Costa can go one step further in the history of karate by achieving the world, Olympic, world triplet. With Ryo Kiyuna, Sandra Sanchez and Jovana Prekovic, he is the only one able to achieve this great performance.

Abdelaziz, Goranova and Hamedi expected

Brilliant during the Olympics, these three fighters will be expected during these world championships. The Saudi Arabian, the public Olympic champion, will be the favorite if he shows the same level as in Tokyo. Ivet Goranova, 3rd in 2018 and on the roof of Olympus in 2021, is in ascending form and will be one of the favorites. Feryal Abdelaziz, who knew how to beat all her opponents in Tokyo, will she be able to do so again ?

Iran forfeit

Following several cases of covid within its team, the Iranian selection withdraws from these world championships. The three-time world champions in men’s team kumite will therefore not be able to defend their title.

Luigi Busa injured

The Italian Olympic champion Luigi Busa was forced to forfeit the days leading up to the Worlds following an injury sustained in training. With the absence of Asgari, suspended for doping, two of the title favorites are out.