Luxembourg hosted the 9th edition of the Small States of Europe Karate Championships. The representatives of Cyprus were the big winners of the event after claiming a total of 73 medals including 22 golds. Hosts of Luxembourg and Montenegro also registered deserving performances with 21 and 14 golds respectively.
The event gathered over 300 athletes from nine nations in the 54 categories at stake, over two days of competition. In senior divisions, Sarah Rodrigo in Female Kata, Laura Hoffmann in Female Kumite -50kg, and Allison Berna in both Female Kumite -61kg and Female Open took the flag of the host country to the top of the podium.
Powerhouse nations of Montenegro and Cyprus also celebrated triumphs in senior categories. Jovana Stojanovic in Female Kumite -68kg, Vladimir Mijac in Male Kata, and Nemanja Jovovic in Male Kumite +84kg won gold for Montenegro, while Theodosia Giaouki in Female Kumite +68kg, Alex Michael in Male Kumite -75kg, and Loizos Vasiliou in Male Kumite -84kg took the title for Cyprus. Iceland’s Josh Ramos Samuel in Male Kumite -67kg completed the list of gold medallists in senior divisions.
Organised by the Small States of Europe Karate Federation (SSEKF), and the Karate Federation of Luxembourg, the event had the participation of the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel. Luxembourg’s Minister of Sport Georges Engel and Alderwoman of the city of Luxembourg Corinne Cahen were among the high-ranked officials attending the tournament.
From left to right: Small States of Europe Karate Federation (SSEKF) President Andreas Vasileiou, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel, and the President of the Karate Federation of Luxembourg Fred Charlé.
From left to right: Small States of Europe Karate Federation (SSEKF) President Andreas Vasileiou, Luxembourg’s Minister of Sport Georges Engel, and the President of the Karate Federation of Luxembourg Fred Charlé.
The presidents of the National Federations of the Small States of Europe gathered ahead of the event.
Representatives of National Federations celebrated the success of the event.
The referees officiating at the event.