Over the weekend, Canadian National Team Roster members were in Paris, France, for the 2020 edition of the Paris Premier League K1, which were held from January 24^th-26^th. The Canadian delegation included 8 athletes, accompanied by three coaches. A total of 741 athletes from 93 countries around the world competed in this event. This weekend event saw a number of spirited performances on the part of Canadian athletes, with three top-10 finishes.

In the -68kg Women’s Kumite division, Melissa Bratic went undefeated in her first four rounds, winning her pool; after losing in semi-finals, she went to repechage and was defeated by Alisa Buchinger of Austria, placing 5^th. In the -61kg division, Haya Jumaa won her first two matches, losing to eventual silver medallist Xiaoyan Yin of China; in repechage, she was defeated by Ayami Moriguchi of Japan, finishing in 7^thplace.

In women’s kata, Rita Ngo progressed through the first two rounds, placing 5^thin the third round to finish in 9^thplace overall.

The 2020 Paris Premier League K1 is an important preparation event on the road to the next summer Olympic Games, taking place in Tokyo 2020. Next up for the Senior National Karate Team will be the Dubai Premier League K1 taking place from February 13^th-15^th.

Photos: Marc-André Donato & Kphotos.net