HANGZHOU, China, 22nd September, 2024 (WAM) — UAE Karate National Team member Fatima Khasif achieved a significant milestone by winning the silver medal in the women’s kumite -68 kg category at the prestigious Asian Championships for men and women held in Hangzhou, China.
Khasif’s journey to the podium was marked by a series of impressive performances. In her initial bout, she dominated Saudi Arabia’s Lama Kifi with a decisive 6-0 victory. Building on this momentum, Khasif then faced a formidable opponent from Japan, securing an impressive 10-3 win to advance further in the competition.
The semifinal match saw Khasif pitted against Jordan’s Jud al-Duraws. In a closely contested bout, she emerged victorious by decision, showcasing her strategic prowess and technical skills. However, the final match proved to be a challenging encounter. Despite her best efforts, Khasif narrowly lost to the champion from Hong Kong, with a tight scoreline of 2-3.
This achievement marks the second silver medal for Fatima Khasif in this weight category at an Asian Championship. Her previous silver was earned at the Under-21 Asian Championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2021. Ranked 91st in the world, Khasif continues to demonstrate her growing prowess and determination on the international stage.
The performance of Fatima Khasif not only highlights her individual talent but also underscores the growing competitiveness of UAE athletes in martial arts on the global arena.