Portugal’s national kickboxing team is maintaining an intense training regimen for all its athletes at the WAKO World Championship in Abu Dhabi, ensuring readiness even for those not competing on the opening day.
While six Portuguese kickboxers entered the competition on its first day, the remaining 16 team members engaged in rigorous preparation off the mats. Two athletes, João Gonçalves and João Barros, secured victories in their respective bouts.
The non-competing athletes underwent a focused “activation training” session late in the afternoon. This crucial workout aimed to keep their bodies and minds sharp for their upcoming turns in the ring.
National coach Raúl Lemos emphasized the strategic importance of these sessions. He explained that the training avoided excessive physical contact to prevent injuries among the team.
The goal was to maintain the athletes’ competitive “flame active” as they await their individual events. This holistic approach ensures the entire squad remains at peak performance throughout the championship.
Six more Portuguese athletes are scheduled to compete on Tuesday at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. Among them are Sofia Oliveira and Ricardo Hilário, who are considered strong medal contenders for the team.