Amálie Haková, the karateka represented by JANDASPORT ®, is a world champion. At the World Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, she won women’s U21 kumite +68 kg on 18 October 2026. She beat Croatia’s Sara Tomičová 7:4 in the final and brought Czech karate a historic title. In the interview she talks about what went through her head after the final, how she prepared and where she wants to go next.
At a glance
- Event: 2026 World Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships, Bielsko-Biała (Poland)
- Category: women’s U21 kumite, +68 kg
- Result: gold medal, world champion title
- Final: 7:4 win over Sara Tomičová (Croatia)
- Tournament record: 6 wins from 6 bouts, 49:9 on points, four bouts ended early
Road to gold: four bouts ended early
The 19-year-old from České Budějovice went through the tournament without a slip. She beat her first three opponents 8:0 each – in kumite an eight-point lead ends the bout early. The semi-final finished the same way, with Haková scoring thirteen points against her Italian opponent.
- Round 1: Autumn Fry (England) 8:0
- Round 2: Annabel Rodriguez (USA) 8:0
- Round 3: Taissiya Utelbayeva (Kazakhstan) 8:0
- Round 4: Dalia Dawoud (Germany) 5:1
- Semi-final: Marta Buono (Italy) 13:4
- Final: Sara Tomičová (Croatia) 7:4
The final: a comeback against Tomičová
In the final she faced Croatia’s Sara Tomičová, one of the best competitors of her generation and an opponent Amálie knows well. Haková went on the attack, but fell behind early and had to turn the score around. She did – and won 7:4.
Right after the bout she told the Czech Karate Federation that they finally had gold and that it was an unbelievable feeling. She credited the whole team, above all her coaches, and everyone who supported her.
Interview: “Suddenly it all made sense”
After she got back from Poland, we asked Amálie how she experienced the title, how she prepared and what comes next.
What went through your head when the final ended and it was clear you were world champion?
Just one thing: that everything I’d sacrificed had paid off. Suddenly it all made sense.
You won your first three bouts 8:0. When did you feel this could be your championship?
Honestly, right at the start. My body worked the way it should and my head was calm. Everything felt so easy, and I enjoyed it so much.
You beat Sara Tomičová 7:4 in the final. What was the plan and what decided it?
I knew I had to go hard and open the bout as early as possible. I was behind at the start, but even when I had to turn the score around, I knew exactly what to do.
Which bout was the hardest – and why?
Definitely the final. The Croatian and I know each other really well, we both knew what to expect. But I believe I was in a better place mentally, and I managed to beat her.
Two years ago you were junior world vice-champion. What has changed since then?
I live by the motto: don’t be small, be big. I learned that everyone can be beaten, and I started believing more that I really belong among the best.
What did your preparation for these championships look like?
I trained every day, mostly twice a day. Over the summer I did three karate camps and two conditioning camps. A month before the championships I spent a week training in Switzerland with Elena Quirici, one of the best competitors in the world.
Who would you like to thank?
I’d really like to thank my coach, who always believed in me, and Lucka Veithová, who not only gave me the best conditioning preparation but also taught me to see things differently. Then the whole Fight Club for becoming my second family. Then Elena, Raul, Gogita and Juan Benitez for taking me under their wing and moving me forward – and not only in karate. Also my mum, for standing by me whatever happens. And finally, thank you to Czech karate for incredible support. I really appreciate it and I’m glad I can be part of it.
Which moment from Bielsko-Biała will you remember the longest?
I’ll never forget the moment the anthem started. Seeing the whole national team singing was so beautiful. It’s a dream come true.
Do you have a pre-fight ritual?
I always play the same playlist. It calms me down every time and helps me focus. Another ritual is the same warm-up.
How did you celebrate the title?
I cried a lot, screamed and laughed. After the medal ceremony I immediately called my mum to show her the gold.
Next comes the move to seniors. What are your goals?
I’d like to build on my senior results in the Series A. Then I’ll focus on the 2027 Senior European Championships, and I’d love to qualify for the 2027 Senior World Championships.
What would you tell girls who are starting karate?
Find your love for karate and everything that comes with it. Work on yourself and you’ll find your own unique path.
What the title means
The gold follows her silver at the 2024 Junior World Championships and three European silvers (2023, 2024 and 2025). According to the Czech Karate Federation, it caps several years of systematic work by the athlete, her support team and the whole national squad. Next comes the move to the senior category, where she is one of Czech karate’s biggest hopes.
Alongside competing, Amálie creates content for brands – see the UGC ad for Alaskan Fisherman she shot in six versions.
Amálie HakováU21 karate world champion · Athlete profile →
- Czech Karate Federation: World Championships report (in Czech)
- Deník.cz: A historic success for Czech karate (in Czech)
- Amálie Haková on Instagram
Frequently asked questions
When and where did Amálie Haková become world champion?
On 18 October 2026 at the World Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.
Which category did Amálie Haková win?
Women’s U21 kumite in the +68 kg weight class.
Who did she beat in the final?
Croatia’s Sara Tomičová, 7:4. On the way to the final she won all five bouts, four of them early.
Who is Amálie Haková?
A Czech karate (kumite) national team member from České Budějovice. She is the U21 world champion (2026), junior world vice-champion (2024) and a three-time European silver medallist. JANDASPORT ® represents her and she creates UGC videos for brands.
