LESCHAN, CHINA — The third stop of the 2026 Karate One Premier League at the Leshan Olympic Sports Centre concluded with a blend of dominant home-nation performances, breakthrough victories, and reaffirmed international excellence. The event, held from 10–12 April, provided key points in the season’s Grand Winner race as elite karateka competed for medals across kata and kumite categories.
On the final day, China’s own Li Gong and Yuchun Wei delivered emphatic wins in front of local spectators, marking high points in a weekend defined by both local pride and global competition.
Standout Performances from Final Day
Yuchun Wei (CHN) took gold in female kumite –55 kg, defeating Valeriya Dimova (WKF-1) with a commanding 8–0 score in the gold-medal bout. The performance underlined Wei’s technical superiority and tactical composure on home soil.
In female kumite –61 kg, Li Gong (CHN) dominated the final against Assel Kanay (KAZ), securing an impressive 11–2 victory to take gold and energise the local crowd.
Sofya Berultseva (KAZ) continued her remarkable season in female kumite +68 kg, defeating Nepal’s Arika Gurung 2–1 in a competitive final to claim her third gold of the season. Berultseva’s win further solidifies her lead in the category and positions her strongly in the Grand Winner standings.
Kata and Other Title Winners
Elite kata athletes also stood out. In the women’s kata final, Mo Sheung Grace Lau (HKG) delivered a technically commanding performance to take gold over Maho Ono (JPN) with a decisive scoreline, reinforcing her position as a season favourite. In the men’s kata, Kakeru Nishiyama (JPN) continued his dominant form to secure another gold final victory.
Breakthrough and Veteran Triumphs
Several athletes achieved significant milestones:
Nuri Kilic (TUR) captured his first Karate One Premier League title in male kumite –60 kg, defeating former champion Hiromu Hashimoto (JPN).
Abdul Vakhkhob Rashidov (UZB) claimed gold in male kumite –67 kg, overcoming Italy’s Luca Maresca in a breakthrough performance.
Rodrigo Rojas (CHI) continued his strong season with gold in male kumite +84 kg, while Mohammad Aljafari (JOR) took the title in male kumite –84 kg.
In female kumite –50 kg, Yorgelis Salazar (VEN) edged Cylia Ouikene (ALG) on senshu after a 6–6 tie.
Aleksandra Meshkova (RUS) made a major statement with her first Premier League gold in female kumite –68 kg.
Season Context and Outlook
The Leshan event drew over 340 athletes from more than 60 countries and served as a critical point-scoring opportunity ahead of the season finale in Rabat, Morocco (12–14 June). Performances in China have reshaped several Grand Winner races, with consistent champions such as Lau, Nishiyama, and Berultseva underlining their bids for season titles, while new contenders have emerged to challenge the established hierarchy.
As the 2026 Premier League season progresses, athletes and national teams will look to build on Leshan momentum, fine-tuning strategies for what promises to be a decisive finale in Rabat.
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