The Egyptian team delivered a masterful performance, securing 13 medals across the tournament which was hosted in Cairo for the first time in nearly four decades.
The senior national team topped the global standings with four medals, including three golds won by Ahlam Youssef, Abdallah Mamdouh, and Youssef Badawi, alongside a bronze captured by Aya Hisham.
Badawi electrified the competition with an emphatic 8-0 victory over Turkey in the -84kg kumite final, marking Egypt’s third gold of the tournament. Earlier, Mamdouh dominated the -75 kg category with a 6-0 win over Ukraine, while Youssef delivered a brilliant 9-3 victory against Slovakia in the -55 kg women’s kumite final.
The players expressed deep joy and pride in topping the global rankings, dedicating their achievements to the Egyptian people, the passionate fans who filled the stands, and their families whose sacrifices shaped their journey. They also thanked the technical staff who guided them every step of the way.
Egypt’s triumph extended beyond the senior competition, with the national para-karate team capturing the championship title for the third consecutive year.
Their remarkable total of nine medals — four gold, one silver and four bronze — surpassed every competing nation, including Italy, which finished a distant second.
The victories of Abdel-Aziz Assem, Fatma Abdel-Badi, Ahmed Wahid and Rowan Khalil added to Egypt’s golden narrative. Silver medallist Marwa Ahmed and bronze medallists Salma Alaaeddin, Judy Ashraf, Jana Abdel-Badi, and Abdel-Rahman Ihab contributed to a level of excellence that reaffirmed Egypt’s dominance on the world stage.
Their collective effort not only elevated the sport in Egypt but has captured the attention of the highest levels of leadership.
Following the team’s triumph, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi personally congratulated the players, publicly praising their resilience, determination and outstanding achievement.
On his official social media accounts, Al-Sisi hailed their performance as a source of national pride and extended his “heartfelt appreciation” for the inspiration they have given to millions of Egyptians. His message of encouragement underscored the significance of adopting sport as an integral part of Egypt’s sporting identity and a testament to the willpower of its athletes.
Under the patronage of Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli, and in the presence of international and national sporting leaders, Egypt showcased world-class organisation, exceptional athletic talent and a triumphant return to the global stage.
The opening ceremony, held at the main arena of the Indoor Halls Complex at Cairo International Stadium, was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhi, World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós, UAE and Asian Federation President Nasser Al-Marzouki, Egyptian Karate Federation President Mohamed Al-Dahrawi, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, Union of Confederations of Sports in Africa (UCSA) President Ahmed Nasser, and Egyptian Federation Vice President and Championship Director Sayed Nasr. Their presence underscored the significance of Egypt’s return as a premier host of major international sporting events.
Sobhi expressed “immense pride” in Egypt’s athletes and the magnitude of their accomplishment, describing it as a powerful comeback after 37 years. He praised the national team’s determination and the monumental effort invested in achieving global supremacy.
Sobhi highlighted that Egypt’s successful organisation of the championship, its first since 1988, was made possible through the unwavering support of the country’s leadership and its clear vision for positioning Egypt as a hub for global and continental sporting events.
Espinós commended Egypt for its outstanding preparation, smooth logistics, and exceptional hospitality, stating that the high-quality organisation reflects the strength of the Egyptian state and its advanced sports infrastructure.
Al-Dahrawi affirmed that hosting the 2025 championship crowned years of determined work and strategic planning. He expressed pride in the flawless organisation and the stellar performances of Egyptian athletes.
Complementing the sporting excitement, the Egyptian Karate Federation, in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, organised a cultural tour for the participating delegations. The tour included visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids of Giza, offering guests the opportunity to experience the rich heritage of Egypt’s ancient civilisation.
* A version of this article appears in print in the 4 December, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly
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