He is the n°1, that’s all. Whether in the World ranking or the Olympic standing, he is the boss. Ugur Aktas is one of the nuggets of the young golden generation of Turkish Karate. At only 23 years old, he is 3-time Seniors European champion (-84 kg), 3-time European champion and 2-time World medalist by team, and already has 9 wins in Karate 1, including 4 this year ! Impassioned by mathematics, mastered in engineering, Ugur Aktas is someone endearing, humble and jovial. He would like to face his idol of youth, Rafael Aghayev, to solve the most complicated mathematical equations, to master his doubts...

By Ludovic Mauchien

Photos : Kphotos

Last weekend, Stanislav Horuna won the gold medal at the European Games by beating the "King" Aghayev, his best enemy on the tatami, his best friend on the circuit. Neither their direct competition for the Olympic qualification, nor their Gold rush, tarnishes this friendship. The Ukrainian, who is currently experiencing the most prolific period of his career (one year to go to the Olympics...), talks about his friend “Rafa”, his win in Minsk, the key to his success against Aghayev, built thanks to his loss in the European ½ final...

By Ludovic Mauchien

Photos : Kphotos

In this talented Iran team, he is the boss. Because he is the oldest with his 14 years of national team, because, above all, his character predestines him to be a leader. Charismatic, born fighter, karate artist, Zabiollah Poorshab (-84 kg) is one of those champions we like to see fight. At the same time technical and warlike, the running Asian champion and 2-times World bronze medalist, never admits defeat... Let’s meet him...

By Ludovic Mauchien

Photo : Kphotos

Horuna vs Aghayev. Everyone was hoping for this fight on the 2nd day of the European Games in Minsk. Done ! The two men, respectively World n°2 and n°1, met in the final. This time, the Ukrainian won the gold (4-0), as did Plank, Kalnins, Serogina, Goronova, Maresca in their category.

By Florian Fournier

Photo / KPhotos