Melika Ezati Jodaghieh Gains Valuable Experience at 2026 FISU WUC Combat Sports
By Dellaram Ghalriz, AUSF Student Media Contributor
TEHRAN, Iran — Melika Ezati Jodaghieh, a physical education student at Allameh Tabatabai University and a kata athlete, gained valuable international experience at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports in Brazil, finishing fifth after a strong run against high-level international competitors.
Melika Ezati Jodaghieh during a previous competition. Photo provided by the athlete.
From Age Four to the International Stage
Reflecting on her sporting journey, Ezati highlights the pivotal support of her family, particularly her mother.
“I am the only athlete in my family,” she notes. “While I began with gymnastics, my mother recognized my talent and passion for karate, laying the foundation for where I am today. Starting at age four, that childhood spark evolved into a professional calling. My mother’s unwavering support throughout all these years has been my driving force to overcome obstacles and reach this position.”
Ezati progressed from grassroots competition to the senior national team and won medals at Asian and World League events. She qualified to represent Iran at the 2026 FISU WUC by finishing first at the national selection trials, which featured some of the country’s leading student-athletes.
“The national selection trials were highly competitive; all competitors had won national titles and were highly ranked, and this made the value of winning first place and wearing the national team jersey deeply meaningful to me,” she said.
Melika Ezati Jodaghieh in action during a previous competition. Photo provided by the athlete.
A Strong Run in Brazil
At the 2026 FISU WUC Combat Sports, Ezati won both of her Group 4 matches and advanced to the knockout stage.
She opened her campaign with a convincing 5–0 victory over Brazil’s Victoria Tatagiba Pazzini Daniel before facing France’s Mai-Linh Bui.
“Fortunately, I was able to deliver a strong performance and win the match against Bui 4–1, which allowed me to advance to the quarter-finals,” she said.
A Narrow Quarter-Final Exit
The quarter-final presented Ezati with another challenge.
“Because there was no repechage system in the knockout stage, every match was extremely important. After reaching the top eight, I faced the representative of Hong Kong, China in the quarter-finals,” she said.
Her opponent, Lo Sum Man, has represented Hong Kong, China internationally and won medals at events including the FISU WUC Combat Sports and Karate1 Series A.
Ezati reflected on the narrow defeat. “The match remained very close and evenly contested until the final moments. However, I eventually lost 3–2. As a result, I missed out on advancing to the next round and competing for a medal, and I finished fifth overall in the competition.”
Melika Ezati Jodaghieh during a previous competition. Photo provided by the athlete.
Experience Beyond the Result
For Ezati, the competition in Brazil was about more than the final result. Competing in a high-level international field gave her an opportunity to test herself.
“Although I did not win a medal, competing in an event of this quality and at such a high level was a very valuable experience for me. Competing against the best athletes in the world helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses more clearly than before, and I am certain that this experience will have a significant impact on my professional journey,” she said.
The narrow quarter-final loss also strengthened her belief that she can compete at the highest international level.
“This competition proved to me that I have the ability to compete with the best athletes in the world, and that I came very close to competing for a medal,” she said.
Ezati now aims to build on the lessons she learned in Brazil. “I believe that by continuing my training, gaining more experience and addressing my weaknesses, I can achieve better results in future competitions and be better prepared to perform at international events. I hope to turn this experience into future medals and achievements for my country.”
The Art of Balance
Alongside her sporting career, Ezati continues to pursue her studies in Physical Education at Allameh Tabatabai University. Addressing the challenge of balancing elite-level sport with academic pursuits, she emphasizes the importance of disciplined planning and time management.
“Every professional student-athlete faces this struggle. The key to success is disciplined planning and optimal time management. I strive to maintain high standards in both my physical education studies and my specialized karate training, aiming for excellence in both fields.”
Her long-term vision is clear: to reach the podium at major international competitions while building a stable career in her field of study.
Melika Ezati Jodaghieh with her medal at a previous competition. Photo provided by the athlete.
A Message to the Next Generation
Ezati also offered a message to aspiring athletes in the Iranian university sports community.
“I hope all those who strive with passion never lose heart. The path of professional sports is filled with challenges and hardships; yet, perseverance in the face of adversity is exactly what separates a typical athlete from a true champion.”
She concluded by emphasizing the potential of university karate in Iran and expressing confidence that, with continued support, it can achieve further success on the international stage.
