The 2024 EKF Senior Championships to be held in Zadar (Croatia) from May 8 to 12 was officially unveiled last week in Zagreb. The biggest Karate event in the continent, the European Championship is expected to gather nearly 700 athletes from 51 countries.
With the qualification for the upcoming WKF Senior Team Championships to be held in Pamplona (Spain) later this year on the line, representatives of the organisers of the Croatian Karate Union (CKU) headed by CKU president and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek met with media outlets to showcase the excitement ahead of the event.
“I would like to thank the city of Zadar for accepting the organisation of the European Championships this year. I also want to express immense gratitude for the support from the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia. I believe that by hosting the event in Zadar, we will showcase our qualities and the strength of the Union, while I hope that Croatian karate athletes will have a very successful performance,” said EKF General Secretary and CKU President Davor Cipek.
In attendance also was the State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia, Tomislav Druzak who stated the government’s support for the event.
“I am very happy to be among top-notch karate athletes, but also within a well-organized Federation that has proven itself as a top organiser on several occasions. I believe that the European Championships in Zadar will be another indicator of quality organisation and successful results. The Government of the Republic of Croatia stands, and will continue to stand, alongside Croatian karate and its athletes, “ said Mr Druzak.
From left to right: athletes Dino Huic and Lucija Lesjak, EKF General Secretary and president of the Croatian Karate Union Davor Cipek, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia Tomislav Druzak, and athletes Andjelo Kvesic and Enes Garibovic.
A representation of Croatian athletes was also present at the event, comprised of 2022 European Champion Andjelo Kvesic, two-time European Championships runner-up Enes Garibovic, member of the World Championships bronze medallist Female Kumite Team Lucija Lesjak, Kata team member Dino Huic, and Para-Karate athlete Stipe Baric, headed by national coach Danijel Vucic.
“Although a significant challenge lies ahead, I have no doubt that Zadar will be a karate festival. What motivates us coaches is the desire for both kumite teams, women’s and men’s, to give their all and win the European champions title. I truly believe in both teams,“ said Mr Vucic.
The EKF Senior Championships will be held in Zadar (Croatia) from May 8 to 12.
Top picture: The participants in the event expressed their excitement ahead of the European Championships
EKF General Secretary and President of the Croatian Karate Union Davor Cipek addresses the audience.
From left to right: athletes Stipe Baric, Dino Huic and Lucija Lesjak, EKF General Secretary and president of the Croatian Karate Union, Davor Cipek, the State Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Croatia Tomislav Druzak, athletes Andjelo Kvesic and Enes Garibovic, and coach Danijel Vucic.