Recap: World Games 2025 in Chengdu

08–09 August 2025 – A weekend full of fighting spirit, drama, and sporting highlights

With 4× gold, 1× silver, and 2× bronze, Team PUNOK celebrated one of the most successful appearances in its history at this year’s World Games in Chengdu. The athletes showed not only technical skill but also mental strength – and wrote stories that can only be found in sport.

Day 1 – 08 August 2025

Ariel Torres (Kata) opened the competition day for Team PUNOK. He dominated both the pool and the semi-final with precise technique and impressive presence. Only in the final was he stopped by his long-time rival. The result: silver – and the title of World Games runner-up.

Mia Bitsch (-55 kg) delivered perhaps the most spectacular story of the tournament. After defeats against China and Japan, the dream of a medal seemed over. But national coach Noah Bitsch spotted a referee’s error and lodged a protest – successfully! Mia was allowed to repeat the bout against Japan, won it, and stormed into the semi-final. There she confidently defeated Chile. In the final, the world number one awaited – but Mia overcame this challenge with flying colours. Gold – from apparent elimination to the top of the world!

Said Oubaya (-67 kg) showed consistently strong performances and secured the gold medal with a final victory over Japan.

Stefanos Xenos (-60 kg) had to concede defeat in the semi-final to the Japanese Grand Winner but seized the opportunity in the bronze match and deservedly took the bronze medal.

Day 2 – 09 August 2025

Abdalla Abdelaziz (-75 kg) started strong and, with two wins, took second place in his pool. In the semi-final, he lost to the French World Games champion but then secured the bronze medal in the third-place bout.

Mohammad Aljafari (-84 kg) enchanted the audience with brilliant techniques. Bout after bout he dominated, and in the final against Croatia he convincingly claimed gold.

Taha Mahmoud (+84 kg) narrowly missed a medal in the bronze match and finished fourth.

Eduard Sagilyan (+84 kg) finished in fifth place.

Johanna Kneer (+68 kg) crowned the weekend: In the preliminary round she defeated Egypt and Australia but narrowly lost to the world champion from Spain. As second in her pool, she met Italy in the semi-final and advanced to the final. There came the rematch against the Spaniard – this time with a better outcome for Johanna: gold!

Team PUNOK Medal Tally

🥇 Gold: Mia Bitsch, Said Oubaya, Mohammad Aljafari, Johanna Kneer

🥈 Silver: Ariel Torres

🥉 Bronze: Stefanos Xenos, Abdalla Abdelaziz

Conclusion:

The weekend in Chengdu was a milestone for Team PUNOK. In addition to technical excellence, the fighting spirit, mental strength, and team support were particularly impressive. Whether spectacular comebacks, dramatic finals, or narrow decisions – the World Games 2025 will remain in the memories of all involved for a long time.

The entire team of PUNOK and Century Martial Arts is proud of you – keep it up! 🥋✨