Golden shine in Abu Dhabi: 6 medals for Norway in the Kickboxing WC 2025!

What a week it has been for Norwegian kickboxing in Abu Dhabi! During the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship 2025, the Norwegian national team delivered a fantastic effort. Norway returned home from the championship with a total of 6 medals . – divided into 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze. We couldn't be more proud of this group who have written their way into the history books.

Two new world champions 🥇🥇

Even before the championship, we knew that Norway would field a strong national team for the World Championships in Abu Dhabi from 24 to 29 November. Among these athletes, two stood out the most: Tirill Nanett Bjørnestad Næss and Oliva Braastad , who can now crown themselves with the title of world champion in kickboxing.

Tirill Næss went all the way to the top in pointfighting (−55 kg) and won the final with a full 11 points overweight – an incredibly dominant victory. This makes her Norway's first world champion in pointfighting since 2011. What an achievement for the 27-year-old from Asker, who has dreamed of just this for years! We can only imagine the feeling when the judge raised her hand and it dawned on her that her dream had been achieved.

Oliva Braastad took gold in full contact (−52 kg) and impressed throughout the tournament. In the final, she faced a very strong Italian athlete – reigning European and world champion – but Oliva kept her cool in an even and intense match. With icy calm and raw strength, she managed to secure the victory and thus Norway's second gold in the championship. Imagine that: Oliva beat the world champion herself and could celebrate uninhibitedly as the newly crowned world champion in her class! Solid performance from the 22-year-old from Nordreisa.

Our silver and bronze heroes 🥈🥉

It didn't stop with two gold medals. Norway could also celebrate one silver and three bronze medals in Abu Dhabi. Christine Hagatun fought her way to the final in full contact (−56 kg) and ended up with a strong silver medal . The final against Bulgaria was a nerve-wracking drama that unfortunately ended in a narrow 2–1 loss at the last second. Even though the gold was lost, Christine delivered a phenomenal effort throughout and can be incredibly proud of her silver – at least we are!

In addition, three Norwegian athletes climbed onto the podium and each secured a bronze medal :

• Thea Vatshelle – bronze in full contact (−70 kg)

• Mariell Straume – bronze in full contact (−60 kg)

• Marlene Farstad Grøttem – bronze in full contact (+70 kg)

For a team, and for a medal capture by Norway in a World Championship that brought together athletes from 85 countries and over 1600 participants. Each and every one of these medal winners has contributed to a historic Norwegian success. We congratulate you all – you are true kickboxing heroes and role models for future generations.

Combat Store: Proud sponsors of Norwegian kickboxing

We at Combat Store AS feel enormous pride and joy over what the national team has achieved. As a proud sponsor of the Norwegian Kickboxing Federation (NKBF) and the national team, we have followed the athletes on their way to the World Championships. When NKBF thanks its partners after the championship – including Combat Store – we can only say that the gratitude is mutual. It is an honor for us to support these fantastic athletes.

Our collaboration with NKBF spans many years and is built on shared values ​​and goals. We want to contribute to the growth and unity of the sport, whether it is through delivering the best equipment, supporting events and gatherings, or helping to develop new talents. Seeing the Norwegian kickboxing family succeed on the biggest stage moves us and motivates us to continue this work. We see that long-term cooperation and dedication pay off – the medals from Abu Dhabi are proof of just that.

Celebrate with 25% off TOP TEN 🥊

How best to celebrate a historic World Championship result? By sharing the joy with all of kickboxing Norway! Next Friday we celebrate the achievements with a 25% discount on all TOP TEN products for 24 hours. This is our small way of saying thank you for your efforts and spreading a little extra joy in the environment. Whether you are an active athlete or an avid hobby kickboxer, you can now upgrade your equipment at a great price.

Remember that Combat Store is the exclusive distributor of TOP TEN in Norway , so this offer gives you the chance to secure top quality kickboxing equipment from the world-renowned brand – at a discounted price. Whether you need new gloves, shin guards, helmet or other equipment, you will find it with us. Mark your calendar for Friday and get ready for a bargain!

---

Finally, we would like to once again say congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and support staff. You have made all of Norway proud. 🧡 We at Combat Store couldn't be happier for you. Your dedication and team spirit inspire us every day, and we look forward to continuing the journey together towards new heights.

Cheers Norway and cheers kickboxing!

Congratulations on a fantastic World Cup effort – we look forward to the continuation!