The 2024 European Karate Federation (EKF) Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships kicked off on a memorable evening in Tbilisi, Georgia, with a brilliant opening ceremony that brought together key figures from the world of sports, politics, and Karate.
The event, held at the Tbilisi Sports Palace on the first day of the competition, was graced by the presence of the Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, the President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee Leri Khabelov, the President of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation Temur Gignadze, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth of Georgia Joseph Bagaturia, and the President of the European Karate Federation (EKF) and the World Karate Federation (WKF), Antonio Espinós, among many top sports and national officials.
In the opening remarks, the Minister of Culture and Sports, Thea Tsulukiani, emphasised the significance of the championships in promoting sporting spirit, unity, and cultural exchange among the youth, while Temur Gignadze, the President of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation, expressed his pride in hosting the prestigious championships for the first time in Georgia.
Meanwhile, the EKF and WKF President commended the athletes for their dedication, determination, and skill, highlighting the many values of Karate.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, and the President of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation Temur Gignadze during the opening ceremony of #KarateTbilisi2024
Mr Espinós said:
“As we stand here in Tbilisi, for the first time, to celebrate the strength of Karate among youngsters at the 2024 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, I am filled with immense pride to declare open this event, a remarkable showcase of unity, talent, and the growing popularity of karate.
“I want to thank all the officials attending the event here today for signifying the widespread recognition that karate holds on both the national and international stages. I extend my deepest gratitude to the organisers, the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation, and all those who have worked tirelessly to bring this event to fruition.
“To the athletes, coaches, and spectators, I encourage you to embrace the true values of karate, and to show how these championships are the platform to demonstrate the tremendous appeal of youth Karate in Europe and all over the world.”
The 2024 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships brought together over 1150 young karate enthusiasts from across Europe, a testament to the popularity of the sport in the continent. France topped the final medal table with 14 medals, including seven golds, followed by Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
(Top Picture: From left to right: EKF Secretary General Davor Cipek, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia, Joseph Bagaturia, and the President of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation Temur Gignadze)
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós highlighted the importance of the event in his remarks.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, and Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukian.
EKF Secretary General Davor Cipek, and EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós during the meeting with Georgia’s top sports officials.
The President of the Georgian National Olympic Committee Leri Khabelov, Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, and Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia, Joseph Bagaturia.
International referee Tamar Melua, EKF Secretary General Davor Cipek, EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós, Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Youth of Georgia, Joseph Bagaturia, the President of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation Temur Gignadze, and the vice president of the Georgian National Sport Karate Federation Irakli Tkebuchava.
Georgia’s Minister of Culture and Sports Thea Tsulukiani addresses the audience during the opening ceremony.