EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós highlighted the strength of Karate at the opening press conference of the 2022 European Karate Championships.
In a star-packed press conference with several top karatekas attending the event, the many accomplishments of Karate were celebrated on the eve of the start of the championships in Gaziantep (Turkey).
Olympians Sandra Sanchez of Spain, Gogita Arkania of Georgia, Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan, and Serap Ozcelik Arapoglu of Turkey were among the first-class karatekas participating in the opening press conference. EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós and Turkish Karate Federation president Aslan Abid Uguz chaired the event.
EKF and WKF President Antonio Espinós said:
“The best European Karate athletes are here. We have World champions, Olympic champions, continental titleholders … I am sure that the event this week will be one to remember.”
“It is a pleasure to have a federation like the Turkish Karate Federation doing an outstanding contribution to the success of this event and to the progress of the sport of Karate in Europe and around the world.”
“We are ready to experience remarkable days and we are prepared to enjoy the best Karate and Para-Karate athletes in action here in Gaziantep.”
Turkish Karate Federation President Aslan Abid Uguz said:
“It is an honour for us to host this Senior European Championships in Gaziantep. We have worked hard to ensure that we are organising a great event and we hope that the best Karate athletes find the best conditions to compete here in Gaziantep. Thank you to all the local officials for their support and good luck to all the competitors.”
Olympian Rafael Aghayev of Azerbaijan said:
“I am happy to be here because Turkey is my second home. I’m feeling great and ready to compete here. Thank you for your great hospitality and kindness. Good luck to all participants and officials“.
Olympian and World champion Gogita Arkania of Georgia said:
“I am happy to be here; this is a very important competition for all the athletes, and I want to say thank you for making it possible.”
Serap Ozcelik of Turkey said:
“I would like to make my country proud with my participation at this event and it is my pleasure to compete here in Gaziantep. I wish the best to all the participants here”
Eray Samdan of Turkey said:
“Good luck to all the participants. We (the team of Turkey) have been winning medals at other international events and we plan to do the same here at home.”
Olympic champion and World titleholder Sandra Sanchez of Spain said:
“This tournament is always very special, and it is a great opportunity for all athletes to grow as competitors, as well as to get to know new cities, and to meet our Karate friends again. This is the way of Karate.”
The 2022 EKF Senior Championships will be held in Gaziantep (Turkey) from May 25 to 29. The medal bouts on Saturday and Sunday will be available LIVE on the WKF YouTube channel.
(Pictures: @gokhantnr)