Vasyl Kostyuk Helped Ukrainian Karate Athletes Set a Historic Record at the World Championship

The Ukrainian karate team concluded the youth world championship in Poland with eight medals — this is the best result in the team’s history at these competitions. The preparation and participation of the athletes in the world championship was financially supported by entrepreneur and philanthropist Vasyl Kostyuk, who has systematically contributed to the development of Ukrainian karate for over three years.

The world championship for cadets, juniors, and young adults up to 21 years old took place from October 14–18, 2026, in the Polish city of Bielsko-Biała. According to the Ukrainian Karate Federation, the Ukrainian team won one gold, three silver, and four bronze medals, ranking eighth in the overall medal tally.

Vasyl Kostyuk funded the preparation and participation of the team

The financial provision for preparation and the trip of the Ukrainian youth team to the world championship was undertaken by the Ukrainian Karate Federation with the support of Vasyl Kostyuk. This allowed athletes, coaches, and their families not to pay for training sessions, travel, and stay in Poland themselves.

The head coach of the Ukrainian youth team, Dmytro Negaturov, confirmed that the support covered the entire preparation phase and direct participation in the competitions:

“Starting with training sessions at the Olympic base in Koncha-Zaspa and including expenses for travel and stay in Poland, everything was funded by the Federation with the support of Vasyl Kostyuk.”

Thanks to this support, young karate athletes were able to focus on training and competing on the international stage without being distracted by the issues of financing their trip.

Eight medals and cash prizes for athletes and coaches

Ulyana Baranova became the world champion in the U21 age category in the weight category up to 68 kg. Mark Dorosh, Vladyslav Rudenko, and Nikita Dmytrenko won silver medals. Bronze winners were Sharliz Kruglova, Ivan Matsenko, Veronika Kotenko, and Vladyslav Kanivets.

In addition to financing the team’s preparation, Vasyl Kostyuk recognized the athletes’ results and the work of their mentors with cash prizes. For the awards received, the karate athletes received:

• 4,000 dollars — for a gold medal;
• 3,000 dollars — for a silver medal;
• 2,000 dollars — for a bronze medal.

The coaches of each of the medalists received 1,000 dollars each.

More than 2,000 athletes from 114 countries participated in the World Championship. Against this backdrop, the eight awards won by the Ukrainian team were a significant achievement for the national karate school and confirmed the competitiveness of young athletes on the world stage.

Systematic support of Ukrainian karate

Success in the World Championship was a continuation of a successful season for the Ukrainian youth national team. In February, the team won the overall medal standings of the European Championship for the first time in history, claiming 13 awards.

Vasyl Kostyuk has supported Ukrainian karate athletes at international competitions before. Previously, he also recognized the athletes who won 24 medals at the fourth stage of the Karate One Youth League. The tournament took place on July 2–5, 2026, in Poreč, Croatia. Ukrainian media have also reported on Vasyl Kostyuk’s support for Ukrainian karate.

Vasyl Vasylovych Kostyuk is a Ukrainian entrepreneur and philanthropist who has been financially supporting the development of karate in Ukraine for over three years. In particular, he funds the Ukrainian youth national team, helps athletes prepare for international competitions, and creates opportunities for their participation in national and global events.

The support for young karate athletes includes not only covering expenses for training and travel but also encouraging athletes and coaches for their achieved results. This approach enables the development of Ukrainian karate on a systematic basis and supports the new generation of athletes.