Young athletes from across Europe stepped onto the tatami with focus and confidence on the opening day of the 2026 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Limassol, Cyprus. Day one was all about progress with finals places decided in all kata categories and across every cadet kumite division.
Cadet Kata Female – Neda Beljkas (Montenegro) vs Candela Pena Garcia (Spain)
Neda Beljkas of Montenegro booked her place in the final after a sharp and controlled performance. She will face Candela Pena Garcia of Spain. Both athletes showed calm under pressure and strong basics.
Cadet Kata Male – Razvan George Florea (Romania) vs Salvador Valente (Portugal)
Romania’s Razvan George Florea impressed judges with clean lines and timing. He moves into the final against Salvador Valente of Portugal, who also showed solid form through the rounds.
Junior Kata Male – Leon De La Pena Jose Angel (Spain) vs Mateus Vasco (Portugal)
Spain’s Leon De La Pena Jose Angel delivered a confident display to reach the final. He will meet Mateus Vasco of Portugal in what promises to be a technical contest.
Junior Kata Female – Giulia Manca (Belgium) vs Rita Marques (Portugal)
Giulia Manca of Belgium showed balance and precision to secure her final spot. Rita Marques of Portugal will be her opponent after a strong run on day one.
U21 Kata Female – Mai Linh Bui (France) vs Paola Garcia Lozano (Spain)
France’s Mai Linh Bui moved smoothly through the rounds to qualify for the final. She will face Paola Garcia Lozano of Spain, who matched her with consistent performances.
U21 Kata Male – Ivan Martin Montenegro (Spain) vs Anthony Vu (Sweden)
Ivan Martin Montenegro of Spain showed maturity and control to reach the final. Anthony Vu of Sweden completes the final pairing after a composed day on the tatami.
Cadet Kumite Female -47 kg – Salome Kakutia (Georgia) vs Hanna Maistrenko (Ukraine)
Georgia’s Salome Kakutia fought with speed and intent to qualify for the final. Hanna Maistrenko of Ukraine will challenge her after a tough path through the bracket.
Cadet Kumite Female -54 kg – Kira Kaloeva (WKF-1) vs Sofiia Elii (Ukraine)
Kira Kaloeva of WKF-1 showed strong tactical control. She advances to the final against Sofiia Elii of Ukraine, who impressed with her timing.
Cadet Kumite Female -61 kg – Anna Volik (WKF-1) vs Diana Popova (Ukraine)
Anna Volik of WKF-1 earned her final place with smart fighting. She will face Diana Popova of Ukraine in the gold medal bout.
Cadet Kumite Female +61 kg – Lanika Rexhepi (Albania) vs Madalena Santos (Portugal)
Albania’s Lanika Rexhepi controlled her matches well to reach the final. Madalena Santos of Portugal joins her after a solid showing.
Cadet Kumite Male -52 kg – Edoardo Cafiso (Italy) vs Mark Dorosh (Ukraine)
Italy’s Edoardo Cafiso showed sharp attacks and good movement. He will meet Mark Dorosh of Ukraine in the final.
Cadet Kumite Male -57 kg – Ioan Tanev (Bulgaria) vs Achille Giuliani (Italy)
Ioan Tanev of Bulgaria advanced with confident fighting. Achille Giuliani of Italy stands between him and the title.
Cadet Kumite Male -63 kg – Emil Almekhametov (WKF-1) vs Raffaele Baldassarre (Italy)
Emil Almekhametov of WKF-1 earned his final spot with disciplined performances. Raffaele Baldassarre of Italy will be his opponent.
Cadet Kumite Male -70 kg – Cullen Brodie (Scotland) vs Riccardo De Gregorio (Italy)
Scotland’s Cullen Brodie fought with confidence to reach the final. Riccardo De Gregorio of Italy completes the pairing.
Cadet Kumite Male +70 kg – Omar Gogrichiani (Georgia) vs Nemanja Mladenovic (North Macedonia)
Omar Gogrichiani of Georgia closed day one in style. He advances to the final against Nemanja Mladenovic of North Macedonia.
Day one in Limassol delivered clarity and promise. Finals are set. The future of European karate is ready for the spotlight.