The Games of the Small States of Europe, held in Andorra, brought together the top athletes from Europe’s small states in 17 sports disciplines. Among the highlights of the event was the karate competition, which delivered thrilling matches and showcased the growing talent across the region. Montenegro and Luxembourg topped the medal table of the Karate competition with three gold medals each.
Karate Champions Crowned Across 11 Categories
Athletes from across Europe’s small states competed for gold in kata and kumite categories. The winners in each category were:
- Male Kata: Silvio Moreira (Andorra)
- Male Kumite +84kg: Nemanja Jovovic (Montenegro)
- Male Kumite -60kg: Balsa Vojinovic (Montenegro)
- Male Kumite -67kg: Jordan Sibille (Luxembourg)
- Male Kumite -75kg: Lazar Jovovic (Montenegro)
- Male Kumite -84kg: Luke Galea (Malta)
- Female Kata: Jessica Vella (Malta)
- Female Kumite -50kg: Paula Gonzalez (Andorra)
- Female Kumite -55kg: Jennifer Warling (Luxembourg)
- Female Kumite -61kg: Eydis Fridriksdottir (Iceland)
- Female Kumite -68kg: Pola Giorgetti (Luxembourg)
Karate Federation of the Small States of Europe Celebrates Elective Congress
Before the competitions began, the Karate Federation of the Small States of Europe held its official congress. During the meeting, Kathrine Broder from Liechtenstein was elected as the new president. This leadership transition marks a new chapter for karate in the region as the federation continues to develop opportunities for athletes and national federations.
The karate events were attended by World Karate Federation (WKF) and European Karate Federation (EKF) president Antonio Espinós, alongside Davor Cipek, EKF General Secretary. Throughout the Games, karate officials met with representatives of the European Olympic Committees, National Olympic Committee presidents, and other sports leaders to discuss the expanding presence of karate in international competitions.
From left to right: EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, Andorra Olympic Committee president Xavier Espot, European Olympic Committee president Spyros Capralos, European Olympic Committee Executive Committee member Liney Rut Halldordottir and WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós.
EKF President Antonio Espinós Statement:
“It is crucial for karate to be part of the Games of the Small States of Europe, as this event offers athletes valuable international experience and helps keep karate on the frontline of the multisport events of the Olympic cycle. We remain committed to promoting karate in every region, giving athletes from all nations—large and small—the chance to shine on the international stage.”
“I also want to warmly congratulate all the members of the Small States of Europe Karate Federation for the remarkable achievement of securing karate’s inclusion in the sport programme of the Games of the Small States of Europe 2029 in Luxembourg. This is a proud moment for our karate family, made possible through the dedication and tireless work of everyone involved. I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Fred Charlé, President of the Karate Federation of Luxembourg, for his outstanding commitment and invaluable cooperation throughout this process.”
(Top picture: Karate athletes from the small states of Europe participated in the event)
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek with the Minister of Sport of San Marino Rossano Fabbri.
From left to right: EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, Andorra Karate Federation President Xavier Herver, WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, president of the Karate Federation of Liechtenstein and newly elected president of the Karate Federation of the Small States of Europe Kathrine Broder, Technical Director of the Karate competition in Andorra Dominique Sigillò, and chair of the Referee Commission of the Small States of Europe Daniel Brunner.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek with the representatives of all the Small States of Europe Karate Federations.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek pose with the president of the Andorra Karate Federation Xavier Herver.
Representatives of five different countries took home gold in the Karate competition.