The second event of the season of Karate 1-Series A takes place this weekend in Istanbul (Turkey). Over 1800 karatekas from 101 countries are expected to compete in the massive event as the immense popularity of Karate is once again showcased.
An average of nearly 1200 competitors from 78 countries participated in the “Karate 1-Series A” last year. This tally is clearly exceeded this season since over 1800 athletes from 98 nations took part in the opening event in Salzburg (Austria) and the numbers are now growing for the tournament in Istanbul this weekend. This record-breaking participation demonstrates the rising interest in Karate’s major events worldwide.
With karatekas ready to fight for the points to improve their positions in the Olympic standings, top competitors hope to succeed in the second stop of the season of Karate 1-Series A to continue their domination of the competition.
All eyes will be on Serap Ozcelik who leads the delegation of the host country. The current Grand Winner in Female Kumite -55kg has taken five medals in all five events this year including golds in the Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat, Dubai, and Paris. The fierce competitor will try to continue the medal streak at home in Istanbul.
Top-ranked local karatekas Tuba Yakan (3rd in Female Kumite -55kg), Merve Coban (2nd in Female Kumite -61kg), Ali Sofuoglu (3rd in Male Kata), Eray Samdan (2nd in Male Kumite -60kg), Burak Uygur (3rd in Male Kumite -67kg), and Ugur Aktas (1st in Male Kumite -84kg) spearhead the massive representation of Turkish athletes.
The event will also have the participation of eight of the 12 current WKF World ranking leaders including World champions Sandra Sanchez of Spain and Angelo Crescenzo of Italy, five-time World title-holder Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan and raising stars Anzhelika Terliuga of Ukraine and Elena Quirici of Switzerland among others.
Source: www.wkf.net
