Morocco’s karate team has been crowned champion of the World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, after winning six medals, comprising two golds, one silver, and three bronze.
The competition held between October 19 and 21 saw Morocco stand out in the international competition, finishing first overall, ahead of Saudi Arabia in second place with four medals and Algeria in third place with three medals.
The world champions Mehdi Sriti (-84 kilogramme category) and Jina Abdelaali (-60 kilogramme) won the two gold medals for the Kingdom in the combat competitions (kumite), while Maroua Daghri (+68 kilogramme) took home the silver.
In the men’s individual kata competition, champion Salaheddine Mansouri won the bronze medal; the other two bronzes went to the kumite competition champions, Said Abaya (-67 kilograms) and Hiba Falaoui (-50 kilograms).
The World Combat Games featured national karate teams from several countries, including Egypt, Greece, Colombia, Belgium, Turkey, Hong Kong, and Montenegro.
On August 19, Moroccan karate athletes also excelled in the African Karate Championships held in Casablanca’s Mohammed V Complex, with a total of 22.
The team took home 11 gold, four silver, and seven bronze medals, taking first place followed by Egypt and Tunisia.