With a silver medal from The World Games Birmingham 2022 (+68kg category), kumite karateka María Torres from Malaga, multiple world (2x) and Spanish (17x) champion, is one to watch in Chengdu. 

Reflecting on Birmingham, a key event in her rise to prominence, Torres says: "It was very special, because it was the first time I competed in The World Games. When I qualified for the final, I was very happy because it was a really difficult target. I wanted to win a medal and this moment will stay with me forever. The opening ceremony was a lot of fun and I remember it as very special." 

The current world runner-up secured a place at the TWG 2025 at the 26th Karate World Championships 2023 in Budapest, Hungary, when she won silver in the 68+kg category. "I was very happy to find out that I've qualified. My goal in Chengdu is to win another medal. Since we are not part of the Olympic Games, we see the World Games as our Olympic Games," said the ambitious 26-year-old.

Torres left Birmingham with fond memories. She particularly remembers the friendly atmosphere in the Athletes Village: "There was a very good energy in the village, and interacting with people from other sports was different and fun, because you see how other competitors from other sports prepare. There is always a very good atmosphere among the karate competitors."

2024 also got off to a spectacular start for the Spanish star when she dominated the heavyweight category at the Karate Premier League in Paris in January. "There is still more than a year to go, so I am concentrating on finishing this season. We have the European Championship in Croatia in May and that is my main goal. Once that's over, I'll start giving my 200% to do great in Chengdu," she said. 

As for her rivals, she admits: "Generally, the top 8 in each weight class qualify, so they are all strong competitors for me. If I had to pick one, I'd say it's Sofya Berultseva from Kazakhstan, who won gold at the World Games in Birmingham."  Torres started with karate at the age of three under the tutelage of her father. A great admirer of Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal, she has already dedicated her life to sport at the age of 26. She is a physical education teacher and a karate instructor. 

"Physically, you have to be very explosive. Personally, the key is to be consistent and hardworking. The most difficult aspect of Kumite is to stay focused during all the fights, because your opponent will take advantage of you the moment you lose focus," she concluded.