The “Golden Belt” Tournament was held this past week in Cacak (Serbia) as it proved its status as one of Europe’s premier karate events. Organised by the Serbian Karate Federation, the tournament showcased first-class karatekas and had WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós in attendance.
The event, a cornerstone of the European Karate Federation (EKF) competition calendar that reaches its 53rd edition, saw participation from 1500 competitors representing 21 countries and 170 clubs. Among the notable personalities in attendance were EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek and WKF Athletes’ Commission Chairman Davide Benetello.
In a display of skill and sporting spirit, the hosts of Serbia emerged victorious in Male Team Kumite, while France claimed the title in Female Team Kumite. The crowns in Male and Female Team Kata went to Croatia and Montenegro, while Roman Hrcka and Michaela Cukanova both of Slovakia, prevailed in Male and Female Kata. Current World Championships runner-up Andjelo Kvesic of Croatia, and former Continental Championships runner-up Stefan Josik of Serbia, in Male Kumite, and Olympic Games gold medallist Ivet Goranova of Bulgaria, and former U21 World Championships bronze medallist Sunita Khalimova of the Individual Neutral Athletes, in Female Kumite, were among the big winners of the tournament.
A highlight of the event was the reception hosted by the Mayor of Cacak, Milun Todorovic, providing a platform for dignitaries and participants to celebrate the unity and values that karate fosters.
Over 1500 athletes participated in the event.
WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós said:
“The ‘Golden Belt’ Tournament in Cacak exemplifies the high standards of excellence of Karate in Europe. I extend my gratitude to the Serbian Karate Federation and its President Slavoljub Piper for their unwavering dedication in hosting this exceptional event.”
“The success of events such as the “Golden Belt” Tournament in Cacak underscores the global appeal and enduring legacy of karate as a sport that unites athletes and enthusiasts from diverse backgrounds. For this, I also want to show the appreciation of European Karate to the Mayor of the city of Cacak Milun Todorovic for welcoming us into this Karate-devoted city. “
During his visit, Mr Espinós, accompanied by EKF General Secretary and hosted by Serbian Karate Federation President Slavoljub Piper, visited the Karate training centre in Cacak, a 1200 m2 facility for the development of first-class Karate athletes in the city.
Top picture: From left to right: Serbian Karate Federation President and EKF Vice-President Slavoljub Piper, WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek.
WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the audience at the official reception.
The 2024 Golden Belt reached its 53rd edition.
EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, and Serbian Karate Federation President and EKF Vice-President Slavoljub Piper meeting in Cacak karate centre.
WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós and the Mayor of Cacak Milun Todorovic.
From left to right: Turkish Karate Federation President Aslan Abid Uguz, Representative of Italian Karate Federation Filippo La Noce, EKF Executive Committee member Anton Gavrilov, Karate Federation of Belgrade President Strahinja Stojkovic, EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, Serbian Karate Federation President and EKF Vice-President Slavoljub Piper, Serbian Karate Federation Vice President Strahinja Tepavcevic, and EKF Executive Committee member Georg Russbacher.