Israel returned from the 2025 WAKO World Kickboxing Championships in Abu Dhabi at the end of November with seven medals—one gold, two silver and four bronze—following a standout showing at one of the largest global events in the sport.
The championship, held from Nov. 21-30 at the ADNEC Arena, featured more than 2,000 athletes from over 85 countries, making Israel’s medal haul particularly significant given the intensely competitive field.
Gold medalist Yulia Sachkov, 26, credited Israel’s success to mental toughness and discipline. “Israeli fighters grow up with a strong fighting spirit, resilience and the ability to stay focused under pressure,” Sachkov told JNS. “We combine discipline, smart training and a lot of heart.”
“We have determination, creativity and a deep passion for the sport. Our athletes and coaches are fully committed, and we push each other to the highest level. That’s what makes us stand out,” she said.
Sachkov’s tournament included a brief controversy after her Egyptian opponent did not appear for their scheduled quarterfinal bout. She advanced and went on to defeat Ukraine’s Daryna Ivanova in the semifinals and the Czech Republic’s Klára Strnadová in the final to secure the gold.
Strnadová had been Sachkov’s opponent in the World Games final earlier this year. With that rivalry continuing, Sachkov said her focus is already on the future.
“My main focus now is the 2029 World Games in Germany,” she said. “After winning the gold medal at the 2025 World Games in China, my goal is to repeat that success and bring home another gold in Germany.”
Sachkov secured a European championship title earlier in 2025, capping what is widely regarded as one of the strongest individual years by any Israeli athlete.
Silver medals were won by Osid Judah and Yosef Aivazli, while Polina Grossman, Guy Hagag, Rana Matanes and Osid Khatib took bronze.
The Israeli delegation reflected a broad cross-section of the country’s society, with Jewish and Arab athletes competing together under the national flag.
For Sachkov, the sport’s momentum in Israel is only growing. “Kids see us as inspiration, and that motivates them to join, train and dream bigger,” she said. “That contributes so much to the future of Israeli sports.”
Israel Kickboxing Federation president Hani Sakas praised the athletes and coaching staff for their year-round commitment. “I am happy that we were able to bring so much pride to the State of Israel,” said Sakas.
The Abu Dhabi championships concluded as one of the most globally significant kickboxing events in modern history, featuring competitors across every major discipline under the WAKO banner.
