Taranto 2026: Morocco’s Karate Team Concludes Campaign with Five Medals
Our national karate team concluded its campaign at the 20th Mediterranean Games – Taranto 2026 with a total of five medals: two gold and three bronze, following two days of competition on September 1 and 2, 2026.
Chaimae EL HAYTI claimed gold in the women’s -55 kg category. After an impressive run to the final, our karateka faced Italy’s Veronica BRUNORI in the title bout. Chaimae EL HAYTI secured a 3–2 victory to claim the Mediterranean title and stand atop the podium.
Mehdi SRITI delivered Morocco’s second gold medal in the men’s -84 kg category. In the semi-final, our karateka produced a commanding performance to defeat Albania’s Milos GASHI 4–0 and book his place in the final. Facing Libya’s Mohamed Ahmed ABOUDABOUS for the title, Mehdi SRITI prevailed 5–1 to secure the gold medal and become Mediterranean champion.
In the women’s -61 kg category, Sawsane BENCHBAB completed her campaign with a bronze medal. In the bronze-medal bout, our karateka defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Emina SIPOVIC 6–3 to earn her place on the podium.
Said OUBAYA also secured bronze in the men’s -67 kg category. Facing Montenegro’s Nenad DULOVIC in the bronze-medal bout, our karateka delivered a convincing 4–0 victory to claim third place.
Hamza SAM completed Morocco’s medal tally with a third bronze, in the men’s -75 kg category. His bronze-medal bout against Egypt’s Abdallah Hicham ABDEL GAWAD ended 4–4, with Hamza SAM securing the medal through senshu, the first-point advantage.
With two Mediterranean titles and three bronze medals, our national karate team concludes its participation at Taranto 2026 with a total of five podium finishes.
