Thirteen-year-old Vasya Kapreliyants, ranked 7th in the world in the -55kg category for her age group, continues an impressive run of international success
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, APRIL 2026: Bloom World Academy’s (BWA) student Vasilisa Kapreliyants, known as Vasya, has secured a silver medal at the 2nd Thailand Kickboxing World Cup, held in Bangkok from 7 to 12 April 2026, further strengthening her position as one of the world’s leading young kickboxers.
The 13-year-old, Grade 7 student competed in the -55kg category at the international competition. Vasya advanced directly to the semi-finals before facing competitors from Germany and Switzerland on her way to claiming silver.
The achievement follows a remarkable series of international results. In January 2026, Vasya won silver at the WAKO Arab Cup in Cairo, Egypt. Prior to this, in October 2025, she secured a bronze world champion at the WAKO Kickboxing World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. She is currently ranked #7 in the world in her age/weight category.
Vasya competed in Thailand as part of the only team representing the UAE at the event. The seven-member team, comprised children aged between 7 and 13, placed 10th overall in a competition featuring around 1,000 participants.
Despite the intensity of the competition, Vasya completed the tournament while carrying an injury.
Alexandra, Vasya’s mother, said: “BWA is home to a two-time world kickboxing champion. Vasya was amazing, best fights to date. She achieved all of this while fighting with a broken toe.”
Reflecting on the competition, Vasya said: “The 2nd Thailand World Cup was a great experience. I’m very proud of myself. I was really scared before the fight, but that didn’t stop me. You’re scared because you don’t know what’s coming, so you just have to push yourself out there and go for it.”
John Bell, Executive Principal at Bloom World Academy, said: “Vasya’s achievements are a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when passion, commitment and hard work come together. At Bloom World Academy, students are encouraged to pursue the areas that matter most to them, both within and beyond the classroom. Vasya’s success on the international stage, alongside her continued dedication to her studies, is something the whole school community is very proud to celebrate.”
With another international medal now added to her record, Vasya is set to compete in the UAE National Championship in Abu Dhabi later this month.
