Aktas: I always believed in myself
Olympic bronze medalist Ugur Aktas returns to Frankfurt in a new weight category and secures his place in the Male Kumite +84kg.
The first day of the 2026 EKF Senior Championships 2026 delivered one of the most emotional stories in recent European karate history as Ugur Aktas of Turkiye reached the final after three years away from top-level competition.
“I always believed in myself and my potential,” he said. “We had very good preparation with the national team and my club coaches. Today I gave 100 percent and I am so happy.”
The 30-year-old Turkish star produced a memorable run in Frankfurt to secure a place in the Male Kumite +84kg final, completing a comeback shaped by injuries, family hardship and months without training.
“IT WAS REALLY HARD”
“I had big injuries after the Olympic Games,” Aktas said after reaching the final. “Also, there were health issues in my family. My father had a serious accident and stayed in the hospital for many months. In this period, I did almost nothing. It was really hard.”
One of the most respected athletes of his generation, Aktas owns one of the finest records in European karate. He is a four-time continental champion, with his last European title coming in 2021 in Croatia. He also claimed bronze at the Olympic Games, won bronze at the 2018 World Championships and earned eight gold medals in the Karate One Premier League circuit.
After his absence, Aktas moved from Male Kumite -84kg to Male Kumite +84kg, a decision that showed both determination and resilience.
“This is a new category for me,” he explained. “This is my first year in the category, and already I am in the final. Step by step, I want to go back to the top again.”
STEP BY STEP BACK TO THE TOP
His campaign in Frankfurt was outstanding from start to finish. Aktas opened with a disciplined 2-0 victory over Djordje Tesanovic of Serbia before defeating Mathaios Stylianou of Cyprus by 7-2.
The Turkish veteran then defeated Ivan Kudzinau by 5-2 to top the pool. In the semifinals, he overcame current European runner-up Andjelo Kvesic in another major statement performance.
Now, Aktas will face defending world champion Matteo Avanzini of Italy in one of the most anticipated finals of the championships.
For Aktas, the opportunity means more than another medal.
“Ten years ago, in 2016, I became European champion,” he said. “Now, after ten years, I want to take the gold medal again. This is my dream now.”
The experienced Turkish fighter admitted that returning after such a long break was mentally demanding.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MENTALITY
“When you already have medals, you also think about protecting your career,” he said. “It is hard to decide to come back and take risks again. But good fighters know the way. The most important thing is mentality.”
Aktas believes his experience helped him during the difficult road back.
“Maybe physically it is not the same as ten years ago,” he said. “But mentally, you are stronger because you already did it before. Experienced competitors know how to become champions.”
Written by WKF.net