Rabat – Moroccan-Belgian kickboxer Ambar Tesoudali has departed for Sanya, China, to take part in the 2026 ISKA China Open and World Elite Invitational, opening another major chapter in her rapidly developing sporting career.
The 14-year-old announced her departure from Antwerp on Saturday, describing the trip as an experience she would never forget and thanking the coaches, training partners, gyms, sponsors and local institutions that supported her preparations.
“Through kickboxing, I’ve been allowed not only to step into the ring, but also to discover the world and create memories that will stay with me forever,” Tesoudali wrote.
She also thanked the City of Antwerp and the District of Borgerhout before signing off with the message: “See you soon, Antwerp.”
According to Tesoudali’s representatives, ISKA China invited her to participate while representing Morocco. The invitation allows the Antwerp-born athlete to carry her Moroccan identity into an international competition taking place thousands of kilometres from her home.
Tesoudali’s public posts during the buildup to the tournament have repeatedly referred to her journey from Belgium and her Moroccan roots. Her preparations included kickboxing, running, strength work and conditioning sessions ahead of the long trip to China.
International competition in Sanya
The ISKA China Open and World Elite Invitational is scheduled to run from August 5 to 9 at the Mangrove Tree International Convention Center in Sanya, in China’s Hainan province.
The program includes Muay Thai, K-1 rules kickboxing, full-contact kickboxing, boxing, mixed martial arts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Wushu Sanda and several other combat-sport disciplines.
ISKA says the competition is open to junior, adult and masters divisions, with athletes and delegations expected from several countries. The organizers are providing international participants with accommodation, meals, registration support and local assistance.
Tesoudali’s precise opponent and competition bracket had not been publicly confirmed at the time of writing.
The China invitation follows a series of international appearances for the young athlete. Tesoudali has competed in Belgium, Germany, Morocco and Romania, building experience against opponents from different national kickboxing systems.
She competed in the 48-kilogram junior division in Belgium in May, recording a points victory at the Night of the Champs event.
Tesoudali has also won several youth distinctions, including International Fight Promotion titles and victories in Muay Thai and kickboxing competitions. Her sporting ambitions are accompanied by a commitment to education, with the young fighter previously speaking about her hope of becoming a doctor.
A connection extending beyond sport
Tesoudali’s relationship with Morocco is not limited to carrying the national colors in competition.
During visits to the Kingdom, she has participated in community initiatives involving children and vulnerable groups. Her activities have included an event for children at the Dar Nassim Association in Oujda and involvement with the local social platform Nta3awno.
Her journey therefore reflects the experience of many young Moroccans raised abroad who pursue their ambitions in their countries of birth while maintaining an active connection with Morocco.
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Her participation will be closely followed in Antwerp and Morocco as she seeks to add another international milestone to a career that is still only beginning.
