Around 500 karatekas from 54 countries will compete for glory in the first major event to be staged by the World Karate Federation (WKF) since the sport was officially admitted onto the Olympic programme for Tokyo 2020. 

Turkey have the largest delegation after 100 competitors confirmed their participation for the two-day tournament in the country's largest city.

After clinching the silver medal in 2016 Karate European Championships in Montpellier, Özçelik will try to shine on home soil in the female kumite under 50 kilogram category.

The 28-year-old from Istanbul will be aiming to extend her impressive tally of honours, continuing her domination in her respective categories.

The 2014 world champion has reached the podium in all the last four editions of the Karate1 Premier League held in her home city, following gold medals in 2012, 2014 and 2015 and a silver in 2013.

The attention of the Turkish fans will also be focused on Erkan, born in Adapazari, but who now lives in Istanbul. 

The 2014 world champion, who competes in the over 84kg category, finished in second position in the Karate1 Premier League in Istanbul in 2014 and, after his bronze medal in European Championships in May, the 29-year-old will be hoping to win in his hometown.

As well as a host of local talent, some of the biggest names in the sport will travel to Istanbul aiming to extend their domination in Karate world.

Azerbaijan's four-time world champion Rafael Aghayev, one of the sport's most recognisable names, will be aiming to win his third gold medal this season in as many appearances in the Karate1 Premier League. 

Aghayev dominated the kumite under 75 Kg category in the European Karate Championship and in the Karate1 Premier League in Dubai this season and is expected to be in gold medal contention in Istanbul.

Elsewhere, two of the most successful karatekas this season will also be competing for gold in the kata categories.

Sandra Sanchez of Spain has reached the podium in all of her four appearances this season in the female kata competition. 

She claimed first position in Karate1 Premier League tournaments in Dubai and Sharm El-Sheik and in the European Championship, while earning silver medal in Karate1 Premier League in Rabat.

Even more impressive is the record of Sanchez's team-mate and male kata Damian Quintero’s so far this season.

Quintero has earned four gold medals in the Karate1 Premier League meetings in Rotterdam, Dubai and Rabat, as well as a second place finish in Salzburg.

Further success in the 51st EKF Senior Championships in France makes his season's tally even more impressive.

Hosts Turkey topped the final standings of the Karate1 Premier League in the event in Istanbul last year with a tally of 21 medals, followed by Egypt and FYR of Macedonia.