UAE National Karate Team member Fatima Khasif clinched the silver medal in the women's kumite -68kg category at the ongoing Asian Championships for men and women in Hangzhou, China.
Kumite, which translates to 'meeting of hands,' is a form of sparring where two karate practitioners engage in combat training using blocks and attacks. This type of sparring is unique as it requires a partner.
Khasif's journey to the silver medal included a 6-0 victory against Saudi Arabia's Lama Kifi in the first match, followed by a 10-3 win over a Japanese competitor. In the semifinals, she triumphed over Jordan's Jud al-Duraws by decision. However, in the final match, she faced a tough challenge and narrowly lost to Hong Kong's champion with a score of 2-3.
This marks Khasif's second medal, as she previously won a silver in the same weight category at the Under-21 Asian Championship held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in 2021. Currently ranked 91st in the world, her performance continues to highlight her prowess in the sport.