Portuguese kickboxer Catarina Dias, a recent gold medalist, arrives in Abu Dhabi for the World Championships expressing strong confidence in her form despite acknowledging the immense pressure of the global stage.
The 27-year-old athlete aims to secure a world title in the WAKO Kickboxing World Championships, hoping to repeat her success and have Portugal’s national anthem played in the United Arab Emirates.
“I come in my best form, as I did for the World Games,” Dias said, referring to her gold medal win at the Chengdu World Games approximately three months ago. “My mind is aligned for this championship, and I hope to bring the best result for Portugal.”
She acknowledged the heightened stakes and the pressure from competitors. “It becomes a bit more nervous because I know my opponents have been working to surprise me,” she stated. “But I also come prepared for these surprises.”
Dias, representing the Mirandela Club Gymnasium, will compete in the -70 kg K1 category, her third World Championship appearance after junior and senior Full Contact events in 2017 and 2023.
“I think this category is my wave, my beach, and I think I will bring good results,” she said, noting that she knows some of her rivals. “They are the best in the world. As I usually say, they are the machines of the category, professional athletes who make this their life.”
While confident, she did not hide her apprehension. “I would be lying if I said no. It’s true that I have a bit of pressure because they are also starting to know my game, my way of being in the ring, how I feel and live the combat.” She expects to overcome this after her first or second fight.
Dias also highlighted a significant climate shift, moving from sub-zero temperatures in Montalegre, Portugal, to the approximately 30-degree Celsius (86 F) heat of Abu Dhabi. Despite her body not being prepared for the warmth, she maintains a positive mindset.
“I love being an athlete, I love playing kickboxing, I love representing Portugal, and especially representing women,” she affirmed.
Beyond her personal quest for gold, Dias called for greater recognition of kickboxing in Portugal. She expressed hope that the government would “resolve the behind-the-scenes issues” quickly.
She specifically mentioned Secretary of State Pedro Dias, believing he is serious about the sport after visiting Mirandela. “We want the recognition of kickboxing,” she said. “After winning gold at the World Games and hearing the anthem play, I want to repeat the same in Abu Dhabi.”