After a thrilling first day of competition, favorites and Karatekas from the host country powered their way through the competition to claim the top spots of the podium at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.

After a thrilling first day of competition, favourites and Karatekas from the host country powered their way through the competition to claim the top spots of the podium at Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.

The Moroccan city is hosting its first ever Karate 1-Premier League, and the tournament being held this weekend has seen spectacular action as top Karatekas chase the medals of the sixth event of the year of the first-class international Karate competition.

Golden day for Moroccan Karate

Local fans lived a sensational first day in Rabat, since no less than twelve Karate athletes from the host country clinched medals in the tournament.

Morocco's Aya Nassiri upset favourite and European champion Sandra Sanchez from Spain and earned gold in Female Kata, thus paving the way to the successful day for local Karatekas.

Kawla Ouhammad confirmed her progression and won her second medal in Karate 1-Premier League  tournaments this year after reaching the top of the podium in Female Kumite -50kg. Oumaima El Absi claimed the third gold medal of the day for Moroccan Karatekas following her victory in Female Kumite -55kg. 

Bilal Benkacem in Male Kata, Zahra Errabi Fatima in Female Kumite -61 and Reda Messaoudi in Male Kumite -75kg also competed in finals on Saturday signing three silver medals for the organizing country.

Favourites confirm their status in Rabat

The first day of competition in the Multi-purpose stadium Prince Moulay Abdellah registered the successful participation of top Karatekas participating in Rabat.

Spain's Damian Quintero extended his domination in Male Kata and claimed his third gold medal of the year in major international competition after defeating Morocco's Bilal Benkacem in the final.

Slovakia's Ingrida Suchankova also confirmed the predictions and earned gold at Female Kumite -61kg after beating Morocco's Zahra Errabi Fatima in the final.

Saudi Karatekas are also shinning in Rabat since they claimed six medals in the thrilling first day of competition.

Click here for more information on the Karate 1-Premier League in Rabat.