What a week it has been for Norwegian kickboxing in Abu Dhabi! At the WAKO World Kickboxing Championship 2025, the Norwegian national team delivered a fantastic performance. Norway came home from the championships with no fewer than 6 medals – 2 gold, 1 silver and 3 bronze. We couldn't be prouder of this group, who have written themselves into the history books.
Two new world champions
Among the national team's athletes, two stood out above all: Tirill Nanett Bjørnestad Næss and Oliva Braastad, who can now call themselves kickboxing world champions.
Tirill Næss went all the way in pointfighting (−55 kg) and won the final by a full 11 points – an incredibly dominant victory. This makes her Norway's first pointfighting world champion since 2011. A historic achievement by the 27-year-old from Asker!
Oliva Braastad took gold in full contact (−52 kg) and impressed throughout the tournament. In the final she faced the reigning European and world champion from Italy – but Oliva kept a cool head and secured the win with ice-cold calm and raw strength. The 22-year-old from Nordreisa is now a world champion!
Our silver and bronze heroes
Christine Hagatun fought her way all the way to the final in full contact (−56 kg) and finished with a strong silver medal. The final against Bulgaria was a nail-biter that ended in a narrow 2–1 defeat in the final second – but Christine delivered a phenomenal performance all the way.
In addition, three Norwegian athletes climbed onto the podium:
- 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)
What a team – and what a medal haul from a World Championships that brought together athletes from 85 countries and more than 1,600 competitors. Congratulations to you all!
Combat Store: Proud sponsors of Norwegian kickboxing
We at Combat Store feel enormously proud of 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 road to the World Championships. Our partnership with NKBF is built on shared values and goals – we want to contribute to growth and unity in the sport, whether by supplying the best gear, supporting events and training camps, or helping new talent come through.
Finally, we would once again like to say congratulations to all the athletes, coaches and support staff. You have made all of Norway proud.
Go Norway and go kickboxing!
