Ali Sofuoglu, a celebrated karateka from the soil of Turkey, etched his name on the global platform with his remarkable performance. As a young kid, Ali got a whiff of the martial arts world, thanks to his brother Kenan Sofuoglu, a multiple-time world champ in motorcycle racing. Ali’s thirst for martial arts was unquenchable, and he soon started honing his skills at a local dojo, where he stood out as a prodigy. In no time, he became the regional champ and went on to become a national champ by his teenage years, earning himself a spot in Turkey’s representation at international tournaments. Ali made his debut in the world championship in 2012 and has since then bagged numerous medals in various competitions, including the European Karate Championships and the Mediterranean Games.

Ali’s journey saw a pinnacle after he clinched the gold medal at the World Games in Wroclaw, Poland, in 2017, where he trounced some of the world’s best karateka to become the first-ever Turkish athlete to claim gold at the World Games. Ali’s triumph in karate wasn’t just about his natural flair but his unwavering focus and grit. He toils for hours each day, refining his techniques and strength, besides being a student of engineering at a prestigious Turkish university.

With his eyes set on the future, Ali is steadfast in his pursuit of representing his nation on the global stage. He ardently dreams of winning an Olympic medal and inspiring future generations of Turkish athletes to pursue their passions, following in the footsteps of his brother Kenan and himself.