Big news from Chengdu! 🥋 China’s Hong Kong athlete Lau Mo Sheung made history at the 2025 Chengdu World Games by snagging the gold in women’s kata – marking the first-ever women’s title for the Hong Kong delegation and only their second World Games gold ever. Talk about making grandma proud!
In karate, kata is a choreographed set of moves judged on precision, power, and style – basically the martial-arts version of a dance solo, where every punch and kick counts. Lau scored a flawless 45.3, topping Japan’s Maho Ono (silver) and Spain’s Paola Garcia Lozano (bronze).
“This gold medal was a promise to my grandmother, who passed away two weeks ago. This world title makes it real – I am a world champion now,” Lau said, keeping it real and emotional. 😭✨
Fans across Asia – from Mumbai to Manila – lit up social feeds with #GoLauGo after her epic performance. It’s the kind of finish that gives you chills and makes you hit “replay.” 🔁
But the karate mats in Chengdu had more drama and upsets:
- Men’s kata: Japan’s Kakeru Nishiyama took top spot with a killer routine.
- Women’s kumite -55kg: Germany’s Mia Bitsch clinched gold after a protest flip in the semis against China’s Wei Yuchun stirred up controversy.
- Women’s kumite -50kg: Iran’s Sara Bahmanyar upset world No.1 Moldir Zhangbyrbay for gold.
- Men’s kumite -60kg: Turkey’s Eray Samdan beat Japan’s Hiromu Hashimoto for the top podium spot.
- Men’s kumite -67kg: Morocco’s Said Oubaya edged out Japan’s Yugo Kozaki in a tight final.
From heartbreaking protest resets to Cinderella upsets, this World Games chapter is all about never-say-die spirit. Whether you’re gearing up for your first dojo session or just love a good underdog story, the karate carnival in Chengdu has something for everyone! 🌍👊
Catch all the highlights, and don’t miss our next quick-read spotlight. Until then, keep chasing your dreams – and maybe practice that kata, yeah? 😉
Reference(s):
Lau Mo Sheung wins historic gold for China's Hong Kong at World Games
cgtn.com
