Hosted by Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBÜ), the Universities Turkey Karate Championship officially began with an opening ceremony held at the Şehzadeler Campus, where the event will take place from March 21 to 23.

The opening ceremony was held at the MCBÜ Atatürk Sports Hall, with attendance from MCBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, President of the Turkish Karate Federation Ercüment Taşdemir, Secretary General of the Turkish University Sports Federation Mehmet Yönal, Federation Representative Prof. Dr. Murat Kul, academic staff, student athletes from 64 universities, and university students.

The event commenced with the welcoming of athletes to the arena, followed by a moment of silence and the national anthem.
In his opening speech, President of the Turkish Karate Federation Ercüment Taşdemir said:
"Karate is a sport that reflects discipline and perseverance. It’s not only a place to demonstrate your talent but also a field where sportsmanship and team spirit come to life. The performances we will witness today will showcase both individual strength and collective spirit."

Mehmet Yönal, Secretary General of the Turkish University Sports Federation, also addressed the audience:
"Sports play a central role in our lives and serve as one of the most vital tools for fostering national and international unity. In today's digital age, where distraction is widespread, sports offer a valuable remedy by encouraging focus and engagement."

Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar expressed her pleasure in hosting the opening of such a significant event with participation from 64 universities, stating:
"Today, we are hosting an event that not only emphasizes physical strength but also shapes the character of our youth, making use of the unifying power of sports. Karate is a symbol of perseverance, discipline, and concentration, and it is an honor for us to witness the skills of our university students in this discipline."

She added, "I hope this championship will be more than just a competition. Let it be a platform where friendships are strengthened, new experiences are gained, and everyone learns from one another. I have no doubt that you will all do your best and enjoy every moment of this journey. I wish all athletes great success and hope for a fruitful championship."

Results from the Kumite Competitions:

Men’s 67 KG Kumite
 1st – Yusuf Kılıç (Marmara University)
 2nd – Muhammed Hamza Onur Yazıcı (Bursa Uludağ University)
 3rd – Savaş Öğüş (Adıyaman University)
 3rd – Alişan Akkaya (Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University)

Women’s 50 KG Kumite
 1st – Rabia Çalış (Istanbul University of Health Sciences)
 2nd – Müşerref Özdemir (Istanbul Aydın University)
 3rd – Simany Durmaz (Anadolu University)
 3rd – Kübra Yazıcı (Manisa Celal Bayar University)

Women’s 55 KG Kumite
 1st – Damla Ocak (Istanbul Kent University)
 2nd – Birsu Gaya Özyazmacı (Anadolu University)
 3rd – Buse Kaya (Istanbul Beykent University)
 3rd – Buse Kılıç (Marmara University)

Women’s 61 KG Kumite
1st – İrem Durmaz (Istanbul Aydın University)
2nd – Nurbade Büber (Manisa Celal Bayar University)
3rd – Özge Aslantaş (Anadolu University)
3rd – Sena Kızılaslan (Gazi University)

The medals were awarded by MCBÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Rana Kibar, President of the Turkish Karate Federation Ercüment Taşdemir, Secretary General Mehmet Yönal, and Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Murat Taş.

The championship will continue until March 23, and the winners will have the opportunity to represent Turkey in national and international arenas.