The fourth event of the season of the Karate 1-Premier League is being held this weekend in Rabat (Morocco). A full line-up of first-class karatekas are gathering in the Moroccan city to clash for glory in Karate’s biggest international event as the best athletes in the world continue their quest toward the Olympic debut of the sport. 

The fourth event of the season of the Karate 1-Premier League is being held this weekend in Rabat (Morocco). A full line-up of first-class karatekas is gathering in the Moroccan city to clash for glory in Karate’s biggest international event as the best athletes in the world continue their quest toward the Olympic debut of the sport. 

After three events, which were held in Paris (France), Dubai (UAE) and Rotterdam, (Netherlands) the heroes of the sport have struggled to leave their mark in one of the most thrilling seasons of the prestigious competition. Nearly 600 competitors from 72 countries are ready to fight for gold in Rabat. Out the wide representation of athletes from all over the world, only three of the karatekas taking the tatamis this weekend have won more than one gold medal this year. 

Grand Winner Xiaoyan Yin of China will try to continue showcasing outstanding level. After prevailing in Dubai and in Paris, the Chinese ace aims at her third gold in the category of Female Kumite -61kg. Meanwhile, Turkey’s Eray Samdan is on the quest to become the biggest sensation of the year. At only 20 years old, the current U21 European champion has already reached the top of the podium in two events this year. The Turkish flashing competitor prevailed in Rotterdam and Dubai and will act as front-runner in the Male Kumite -60kg category in Rabat. 

One of the biggest names to watch in Rabat is Sandra Sanchez of Spain. The Grand Winner will try to keep her star status this weekend since the leader of the Karate 1-Premier League standings in Female Kata aims at her fourth medal this year. The European Champion won gold in Rotterdam and Dubai and she also took bronze in Paris. In Rabat, the World ranking leader hopes to win her 29th consecutive medal in international competitions. 

Defending Grand Winners are also taking the tatamis in Rabat to continue shining in the event. Turkey’s Serap Ozcelik, Ukraine’s Anzhelika Terliuga and Stanislav Horuna also from Ukraine complete the list of owners of the best of the best award competing in Rabat. 

Egyptian and local representatives took the spotlight last year with five gold medals each in the event. The hopes of the organising country will be focused on competitors such as Achraf Ouchen in Male Kumite +84kg, Sanae Agalmame in Female Kata and Najlae Karchali in Female Kumite -61kg among others. 

The competition which is scheduled to start this Friday is set to be thrilling since most of the categories appear to be up for grabs with some leaders of the Karate 1-Premier League standings are absent from the event in Rabat. It will be the opportunity for stars in the making to make a name for themselves in Karate’s biggest international event.