Arika secures bronze in Karate-1 Premier League

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, June 3: Nepal’s Arika Gurung has made history by winning bronze in the Karate-1 Premier League in Rabat, Morocco. She became the first Nepali karateka to earn a medal in the elite global tournament. This is Nepal’s highest achievement in karate so far. It is also Nepal’s first time qualifying for the event.

Arika won bronze in the women’s kumite 68kg+ category after a commanding 6-2 victory over France’s Pia Clemence in the repechage round on Sunday evening. 

The Asian Games silver medallist was making her debut in the Karate League, where the World Karate Federation (WKF) picks 32 top-ranked karatekas from the world to compete.

Ranked 50th globally, Arika stunned Clemence, who sits at 20th in the world rankings. Her qualification was earned through strong performances in continental tournaments. She had previously won silver medals in the 20th Asian Senior Championship 2024 in Hangzhou, China, and in the Karate-1 Youth League 2025 in Fujairah, UAE.

In the pool stage, Arika was placed in Pool 6, where she won two bouts and drew one to enter the knockout rounds. She was declared winner after a gritty 2-2 tie against Turkey’s Zeyna Gaballa. She then defeated Italy’s Clio Ferracuti 3-1 and drew 1-1 against Cyprus’ Gia Mouki Theodosia.

Arika showed her warrior spirit in the quarterfinal, where she dominated Egypt’s Haidi Mahgoub 8-2. She then faced 2021 world champion Spain’s Maria Torres Garcia in the semifinal. Despite an intense 5-5 showdown, Arika fell short. However, she bounced back by outclassing Clemence for the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Torres, who had defeated Arika in the semifinal, went on to claim gold, beating England’s Roselle Walters 4-2 in the final.

Before traveling to Rabat, Arika had competed in the 21st Asian Senior Karate Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where she won one match. Her latest achievement in Morocco is a historic milestone for Nepali karate.

Arika has been creating history in Nepali karate one after another. She won gold at the 10th World Shitoryu Karate Championship. She shocked the nation by claiming silver in the 19th Asian Games. She also shined at the 8th South Asian Karate Championship with a gold medal win. At the USA Open Karate Championship, she secured one gold and one silver.

Congratulating Arika, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council said she has not only made history but also lifted Nepal’s pride on the global stage. He praised her dedication, perseverance, and fighting spirit, stating that her achievement will inspire future generations of Nepali karatekas.