The concluding day of the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, showcased the dominance of Italian karatekas as they claimed the top spot in the Male Team Kumite category, securing the gold medal and the title of the best male team in Europe. Turkiye topped the final medal table of the sensational and memorable event being held this week in Zadar, Croatia.
Turkiye Tops Medal Table with Impressive Performance
Turkiye emerged as the leading nation in the final medal tally of the event, clinching a total of 10 medals, including 3 golds. Their remarkable performance propelled them to the top of the standings, showcasing their prowess and commitment to excellence on the international stage. Germany and hosts Croatia followed closely behind with five and four medals respectively.
Male Team Kata: Turkiye Secures Fourth Consecutive Title
In a display of consistency and skill, Turkiye claimed victory in the Male Team Kata category, defeating Spain with scores of 44.40 to 44.00. This victory marked Turkiye’s fourth consecutive final win against Spain, with both teams already securing their spots in Pamplona 2024, the Turkish side as World Championships runner-up and Spain as the hosts. Italy and Azerbaijan earned bronze and the right to participate in the upcoming world championships.
Turkiye won gold in Male Team Kata
Female Team Kata: Spain Breaks Italian Dominance
Spain emerged triumphant in the Female Team Kata category, breaking Italy’s three-edition winning streak against the Spaniards with scores of 42.80 to 42.70. The intense rivalry between Spain and Italy culminated in Spain’s victory. Both teams had already qualified for Pamplona 2024 since Italy claimed silver at the World Championships and the Spanish side will act as the host of the event. Turkiye and France secured bronze and their tickets to the championships.
Male Team Kumite: Italy Claims Gold
Italy secured the gold medal in the Male Team Kumite category, defeating Greece 3-1. As the defending world championships bronze medallists, Italy showcased their strength and determination, securing the European title and the subsequent place at Pamplona 2024.
France and Ukraine earned bronze and the right to participate in the upcoming championships, with France already qualified after their bronze medal win at the World Championships.
The final of Male Team Kumite between Greece and Italy was a thrilling encounter
Wheelchair User Categories Showcase Determination
In a poignant display of determination and resilience, the Wheelchair User categories of para-karate crowned their champions:
Wheelchair User Female K30: Nesrin Cavadzade Triumphs for Turkiye
Turkiye’s Nesrin Cavadzade emerged victorious in the Wheelchair User Female K30 category, defeating Julija Karadakic of Croatia with a score of 40.9 to 38.9.
Wheelchair User Male K30: Eldar Ahmadov Claims Victory for Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan’s Eldar Ahmadov secured victory in the Wheelchair User Male K30 category, defeating Vidadi Khaligov, also of Azerbaijan, with a score of 41.8 to 40.4.
Para-Karate athletes gave a demonstration of the power of will
The final day of the 2024 EKF Senior Championships in Zadar, Croatia, witnessed a culmination of talent, determination, and thrilling competition, with Italy and Germany, in Team Kumite, and Turkiye and Spain, in Team Kata emerging as the standout success.
The event in Zadar was a showcase of the excellence of Karate with the sport demonstrating its reach, sporting spirit and inclusivity. Europe’s most outstanding event will travel to Armenia where the next edition of the EKF Senior Championships will be held next year.
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