Champions Decided in 2025 Para Karate World Championship for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment
Action at the 2025 Para Karate World Championship in Cairo delivered high-stakes eliminations and medal-deciding bouts across all Para Karate categories. Returning champions stepped onto the tatami determined to defend their world titles, while emerging athletes pursued historic first podium finishes on the international stage. The competition stood as a powerful showcase of elite skill, relentless dedication, and the expanding global reach of Para Karate.
Para Karate was contested as a dedicated discipline within the sport of Karate, created specifically for athletes with disabilities. The competition adapted the kata modality to ensure fair and meaningful participation for wheelchair users, visually impaired athletes, and athletes with intellectual disabilities, emphasising technique, control, rhythm, and expressive performance.
Athletes with an intellectual impairment competed across two categories: K21 and K22.
Intellectually Impaired Female K21 – Kakosy Captured Gold
Winners from the Women’s K21 competition (L-R): Federica Yakymashko, Olivia Kakosy, Judy Halawa and Lucia Sanchez Rosad. Photo Credit: WKF
Hungary’s Olivia Kakosy claimed the gold medal in a closely contested K21 female final, defeating Italy’s Federica Yakymashko 41.0–39.9 with a poised and precise kata performance. Bronze medals were awarded to Egypt’s Judy Halawa and Spain’s Lucia Sanchez Rosado.
Intellectually Impaired Male K21 – Elbeltagy Led on Home Soil
Winner from Men’s K21 (L-R): Carlos Huertas Ruiz, Ahmed Elbeltagy, Albert Singer and Mike Richter. Photo Credit: WKF
Egypt’s Ahmed Elbeltagy secured gold with a commanding performance, overcoming Germany’s Carlos Huertas Ruiz 40.1–38.5. Germany completed the podium as Albert Singer and Mike Richter each earned bronze following consistent kata rounds.
Intellectually Impaired Female K22 – Daniela Prevailed
Winner from Women’s K22 (L-R): Lucia Lkova, Daniela Topic, Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim and Natalie Olson. Photo Credit: WKF
Croatia’s Daniela Topic emerged victorious in a tightly fought K22 female final, edging Slovakia’s Lucia Lkova 39.5–39.0 with balanced execution and strong rhythm. Canada’s Natalie Olson and Egypt’s Salma Alaaeldin Ebrahim finished with bronze medals.
Intellectually Impaired Male K22 – Allesina Delivered Gold for Italy
Winner from Men’s K22 (L-R): Patrick Buwalda, Mattia Allesina, Abdelrahman Elsherif and Stipe Baric. Photo Credit: WKF
Italy celebrated victory in the men’s K22 category as Mattia Allesina defeated teammate Patrick Buwalda 41.2–39.8 in an all-Italian final. Egypt’s Abdelrahman Elsherif and Croatia’s Stipe Baric claimed bronze after steady performances throughout the championship.
The 2025 program reflected the World Karate Federation’s long-standing commitment to inclusivity. Para Karate had been part of the WKF World Senior Championships since 2014, and its continued presence on the main competition program highlighted the steady growth of inclusive sport within the global Karate community.
The Para Karate competition was presented in collaboration with One Humanity, reinforcing shared values of dignity, respect, and equality. The event celebrated inclusion and human connection—principles championed by both the World Karate Federation and the One Humanity initiative.
