The 29th edition of the Balkan Karate Championships for Children took place in the city of Bar, Montenegro, from May 30 to June 1, bringing together young talent from across the region. The event saw 1,800 athletes and 380 coaches from all the Balkan countries competing in categories for children aged 10 to 13.
Over three days of intense competition, the championships highlighted the growing popularity and excellence of karate in the region. The host nation of Montenegro delivered an outstanding performance, finishing at the top of the final medal table after securing a total of 41 medals, including 15 golds. Close behind, Turkiye impressed with a haul of 55 medals, 14 of them gold. Serbia also made its mark, collecting 31 medals with 8 gold finishes.
Alongside the sporting action, the Executive Committee of the Balkan Karate Federation held a meeting to review the progress of karate in the region. Committee members discussed recent achievements, future plans, and ways to further support the development of young athletes.
The competition in Bar proved once again that the sport continues to thrive in the Balkans, promising a bright future for karate in the years to come.
The Executive Committee of the Balkan Karate Federation in session. From left to right: Members Slavenko Bajić of Montenegro and Sinisa Gataric of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the president of the Montenegro Federation Predrag Perkovic, President of the Balkan Karate Federation and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, Balkan Karate Federation secretary and EKF Executive Committee member Slavoljub Piper, member Strahinja Tepavcevic of Serbia, Balkan Karate Federation sports director Dragoljub Fatic and Balkan Karate Federation Vice President Octavian Amzulescu.
President of the Balkan Karate Federation and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek at the opening ceremony
From left to right: EKF Executive Committee member Ercument Tasdemir, EKF Technical Commission Chair Kostas Papadoupolos, President of Balkan Karate Federation and EKF General Secretary Davor Cipek, Mayor of the City of Bar Dušan Raičević, President of Karate Federation of Montenegro Predrag Perkovic, and General Secretary of Balkan Karate Federation and the EKF Executive Committee member Slavoljub Piper.
Over 1800 youngsters gathered in Bar.