The afternoon session of the first day of medals of the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, witnessed a surge of triumph for Germany, as the country’s female team clinched the prestigious title in Female Team Kumite. This victory not only crowned the German squad as the champions but also secured their place in the upcoming World Team Championships in Pamplona, Spain.
Female Team Kumite: Germany Secures Continental Title
In a display of strength and skill, the German female team emerged victorious in the Female Team Kumite category, defeating Italy with a resounding 2-0 victory. Shara Hubrich and Johanna Kneer delivered powerful performances, taking the German side to the top.
Kneer, who got the final winning point, showed the same prowess that had earned her individual gold medals earlier in the event, solidifying her status as one of the stars of the championship.
Meanwhile, Turkiye and France secured bronze medals in the Female Team Kumite category, earning the right to participate in the upcoming Pamplona 2025 World Team Championships.
Johanna Kneer won the final point for Germany
Female Kata: Dilara Bozan Claims First Gold
Dilara Bozan of Turkiye secured her first gold medal in major international competitions by triumphing in the Female Kata category. Bozan’s victory came after a tense tie-breaking criteria, where she edged out Terryana D Onofrio of Italy with a score of 42.40 to 42.40, showcasing her resilience and determination on the tatami.
Male Kata: Ali Sofuoglu Retains Title
Ali Sofuoglu of Turkiye continued his dominance in the Male Kata division, securing back-to-back continental and world titles with a commanding performance. Sofuoglu emerged victorious over Damian Quintero of Spain with scores of 43.90 to 42.40.
Male Kumite -60 kg: Christos-Stefanos Xenos Clinches Double Crown
Greece’s Christos-Stefanos Xenos claimed back-to-back continental and world titles in the Male Kumite -60 kg category, defeating Orges Arifi of Albania with a score of 3-1. Xenos’s victory showcased his talent and determination, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of karate.
Female Kumite -50 kg: Ema Sgardelli Makes Debut Victory at Home
Croatia’s Ema Sgardelli made a stunning debut in the Female Kumite -50 kg category, securing the title in her first continental appearance. Sgardelli’s dominant performance, which saw her stop the match early with an 8-0 victory over Mihaela Mishovska of North Macedonia marked a memorable moment in her burgeoning career and one of the highlight moments of the day for the Croatian fans on site. Much to the celebration of the Croatian Karate family, Sgardelli added the fourth gold medal for the host country today.
Ema Sgardelli wrapped up a fantastic day for Croatian Karate
Male Kumite -67 kg: Yves Martial Tadissi Claims Maiden Title
Hungary’s Yves Martial Tadissi celebrated his first continental title in the Male Kumite -67 kg category, defeating Nenad Dulovic of Montenegro in a closely contested match 1-1. Tadissi’s victory, secured by senshu or first unopposed point, marked a significant milestone in his journey, as he had four continental bronze medals thus far.
Blind/Visually Impaired Categories Showcase Power of Will
In a demonstration of resilience and determination, the Blind/Visually Impaired categories of Para-Karate showcased the power of will as champions were crowned:
- Blind/Visually Impaired Male K10: Nohan Dudon Triumphs for France
France’s Nohan Dudon emerged victorious in the Blind/Visually Impaired Male K10 category, defeating Nihat Mammadzada of Azerbaijan with a score of 41.10 to 39.60, highlighting the extraordinary capabilities of para-karatekas.
- Blind/Visually Impaired Female K10: Benedetta Belotti Claims Victory for Italy
Italy’s Benedetta Belotti secured victory in the Blind/Visually Impaired Female K10 category, defeating Emiliya Mitlinova of Azerbaijan with a score of 40.20 to 39.50, underscoring the determination and skill of para-karate athletes.
The outstanding karate event will conclude Sunday with the final day of action from Zadar. Male and Female Team Kata and Male Team Kumite categories will take the stage in an anticipated celebration of the excellence of Karate. The medal bouts of #KarateZadar2024 are available LIVE on the WKF YouTube channel.
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