Team World Cup in Pamplona: Egypt’s Triumph and Thrilling Fights in a Fiery Atmosphere!

Egypt's Triumph and Thrilling Fights in a Heated Atmosphere!

Pamplona – A city known for its passion and energy provided the perfect backdrop for the Team World Cup this weekend. With 388 athletes from 43 nations and 80 teams competing in Kata and Kumite, the arena was filled not only with international colors but also electrifying energy. Cheers, excitement, and intense emotions filled the air – the battles were hotter than the Spanish sun!

Strong Performances, Narrow Decisions, and a Bitter Exit in Kata

The event kicked off on Friday with the Kata competitions, and our Punok Kata team from Germany – Rita Siebert, Jessica Vlai, and Anna Stössel – faced a tough challenge. Competing in a fiercely contested group with opponents from China, Botswana, Brazil, and Italy, the three fought bravely. Wins against Botswana and Brazil brought the quarterfinals within reach. However, the favored Italian team and the strong Chinese team made it tough. Especially the narrow defeat against China – by just one point – ultimately meant an end to their group stage run. Despite this, the team remained proud, as it was their first Team World Championship, and they showcased their pride and fighting spirit on the big stage.

Kumite: Egypt's Path to the World Championship Title

While the German women narrowly missed out in Kata, the Kumite teams stepped up. The men from Egypt delivered a true sensation. With our Punok fighters Youssef Badawy, Abdalla Abdelaziz, Taha Mahmoud, and Ali Elsawy among their ranks, the Egyptian team showed a world-class performance from start to finish. After a confident group stage, Egypt reached the quarterfinals, where they dominated Kazakhstan. In the semifinals, they faced host nation Italy – but even here, the Egyptians left no doubt about their strength. The grand final against Iran was the crowning moment of a spectacular weekend. With impressive dominance, Egypt secured the title early and deservedly became the men's Team Kumite World Champions. Our Punok fighters played a major role in this triumph and were duly celebrated!

Painful Defeats for the European Champions

The competition didn't go as well for the German women's Kumite team led by Mia Bitsch. After an unfortunate loss to Turkey and facing a strong Japanese team, the reigning European champions were already eliminated in the group stage. A bitter moment for the team, but they are already looking ahead.

An Event that Enthralls

Off the competition floor, the Team World Cup was a well-organized event. The atmosphere in the hall was lively, with fans passionately supporting their teams, and our Spanish distributor also had a presence – albeit on a smaller scale – with a stand on-site. The event impressively demonstrated how the sport of karate brings people from all over the world together. Pamplona captivated not only the fighters but also the spectators this weekend. We look back on a tournament full of excitement, emotion, and athletic excellence – and on an Egyptian team that has forever etched its name into the history of the Team World Cup. ¡Olé, Pamplona!