Amman, Sept. 16 (Petra) -- A record 27 Jordanian kickboxers left for Italy on Wednesday to compete in the 2026 World Kickboxing Championships, marking the Kingdom’s largest-ever athlete representation at the tournament.

The youth men’s and women’s national teams will compete in the championships in Jesolo, with the Jordan Kickboxing Federation describing the expanded squad as part of its drive to broaden the sport’s competitive base and give more athletes exposure at major international events.

Federation President Abdullah Abu Rumman heads the delegation after overseeing the teams’ final preparations ahead of their departure.

The delegation also includes administrator Abtan Al-Awaysheh and coaches Mohammad Farhan, Murad Al-Jarajrah, Odai Al-Maharmeh and Rawan Al-Hafnawi, alongside therapist Yasser Khairallah.

Jordan will also have two officials at the championships: international referee Imad Al-Jbour, deputy chairman of the federation’s referees committee, and national referee Tala Al-Rifai.

The federation said the World Championships form part of its broader program to develop national teams, improve athletes’ technical standards and build international experience through competition against leading kickboxers from around the world.

//Petra// RZ