Final and judges' decision
Lviv native Karina Ayrapetyan, the sole representative of Ukraine at the 2025 Karate World Championships, won the silver medal in the K30 category (women, wheelchair kata). She confidently advanced through the preliminary rounds and faced the host competitor, Egyptian Fatima Mahmud, in the final.
In the decisive bout, the judges awarded the victory to Mahmud. The Karate Federation of Ukraine called the decision at least controversial, given the performances of both athletes.
The athlete's path and achievements
The 33-year-old Ayrapetyan began practicing karate in 2015 — seven years after a severe spinal injury that left her using a wheelchair. Already the following year, after nine months of training, she sensationally became a world champion.
"I really like sport, movement, and I got drawn into karate. And when I saw that I was getting somewhere, I wanted to pursue para-karate seriously. It's already a way of life. It resonates with me. I enjoy what I do"
– Karina Ayrapetyan
A master of sport of international class, Ayrapetyan has repeatedly won awards at top tournaments: among her achievements are world championship medals and silver medals at European championships. Despite her injury, she built a family, gave birth to a child, and worked in the modeling business.
