The Inter-University Karate Turkey Championship organized by the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF) started with the hosting of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ). The event, held between January 29-31, 2026, brought together university athletes from all over Turkey in Burdur.

A total of 223 athletes from 53 universities participated in the championship, with 70 administrators and coaches also taking part in the organization. Athletes competed on the mat in kata and kumite categories with the goal of becoming Turkey champions. The competitions in both fields will continue for three days at the MAKÜ Sports Hall.

Speaking at the opening program, University Sports Federation General Coordinator Prof. Dr. Taner Bozkuş highlighted the support of Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University for sports organizations, saying, “We are signing a beautiful organization at a university that is a friend of sports and athletes. A total of 223 athletes, including 94 women and 129 men, are competing in the championship. I thank everyone who contributed.”

Speaking on behalf of the host university, MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar expressed their satisfaction in hosting such an important organization. Emphasizing that they are conducting strong cooperation with sports federations as a university, Dalgar said, “After the kickboxing championship, today we are hosting the Karate Turkey Championship. Our aim is to host university youth in our qualified sports facilities in Burdur and ensure they benefit from this infrastructure in the best way possible.”

Touching on the importance of sports in the physical and mental development of individuals, Dalgar stated that karate includes values such as discipline, respect, and self-control, and wished for the competitions to be completed in a sportsmanlike manner and without accidents. Dalgar noted that sports awareness in universities is increasing day by day and said that the quality of the organization is further enhanced with live broadcasts and increased participation.

After the competitions completed on the first day of the championship, medals and trophies were presented to the athletes who ranked. According to the first day's results;

Men's Kata (Individual):
First: Ozan Parlak (Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa)
Second: Furkan Kaynar (Gazi University)
Third: Ahmet Hakan Bolat (Istanbul Commerce University)
Fourth: Fatih Arpacı (Istanbul Aydın University)

Women's Kata (Individual):
First: Damla Su Türkmen (Muş Alparslan University)
Second: Ayşe Yılmaz (Istanbul Kent University)
Third: Elif Karaboğa (Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University)
Fourth: Şule Azra Akbulut (Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa)

Teams Kata – Men:
First: Gazi University
Second: Istanbul Aydın University
Third: Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University

Teams Kata – Women:
First: Istanbul Kent University
Second: Istanbul Aydın University
Third: Sakarya University of Applied Sciences

Athletes who rank in the three-day championship will earn the right to represent Turkey at the World University Karate Championship to be held in Brazil on June 10-13, 2026.