Global Achievements at the 2026 World Hapkido Championship
Global Achievements at the 2026 World Hapkido Championship
The 2026 Open World Hapkido Championship, held in Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region, brought together athletes from across the globe in a celebration of martial arts, discipline, and cultural exchange.
One of the standout performances came from Muhammet Eymen Durdağ, who competed in three different categories. He secured a gold medal in Nunchaku, a silver medal in long jump, and a bronze medal in combat discipline. His gold medal marked a historic milestone as it was the first ever awarded in Hapkido at this championship.
In the +18 senior 80 kg category, Bülent Halaç earned a bronze medal, adding to the diversity of achievements seen throughout the competition.
Beyond the athletes, the championship also highlighted the contributions of leading figures in the Hapkido community. Grand Master (9th Dan) Şükrü Kınataş, President of WAHA, served as Chief Advisor during the event. He was honored with a Golden Belt by Kyrgyzstan Hapkido Federation President Nazire Uteshova, recognizing his dedication to the sport.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Kyrgyz Republic’s Minister of Culture and Non-Olympic Sports, Samat Erkinbekov, who was presented with a commemorative plaque by WAHA President Kınataş for his support of Hapkido.
The role of Referee Director was carried out by Dmitry Lozhenskiy, General Secretary of the Russian Hapkido Federation and WAHA Russia President, ensuring fair and professional oversight of the matches.
🏆 Team rankings concluded with:
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Kyrgyzstan
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Azerbaijan
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Russia
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Kazakhstan
The championship not only showcased athletic excellence but also strengthened international ties, proving once again that martial arts serve as a bridge between cultures and nations.