Morocco began its campaign at the 2025 World Games in Chengdu with a spectacular victory, as Said Oubaya secured the gold medal in the men’s kumite -67 kg karate category.
The event, held in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, showcased top-tier talent from around the world, with Oubaya delivering a masterful performance on Friday, August 8.
In a tightly contested final, Oubaya edged out Japan’s Yugo Kozaki by a narrow 4-3 scoreline. Demonstrating impeccable control during the closing moments of the match, Oubaya ensured Morocco’s name would be celebrated at the very start of the competition.
Oubaya’s success was part of an impressive day of karate, which saw five other athletes crowned world champions: Japan’s Kakeru Nishiyama in men’s kata, Hong Kong’s Mo Sheung Grace Lau in women’s kata, Iran’s Sara Bahmanyar in the -50 kg division, Turkey’s Eray Samdan in -60 kg, and Germany’s Mia Bitsch in -55 kg.
With this victory, Said Oubaya has firmly established himself as a key figure to watch throughout the World Games, which continue until August 17. The event remains one of karate’s most prestigious competitions outside of the World Championships, gathering the sport’s elite on an international stage every four years.
As the tournament progresses, Saturday’s schedule promises intense competition across six kumite weight classes, split evenly between men and women: women’s -61 kg, -68 kg, and +68 kg, alongside men’s -75 kg, -84 kg, and +84 kg.
Morocco’s gold medal win has set an inspiring tone for the nation’s athletes and fans alike, signaling a promising future on karate’s global stage.
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