2024 European Senior Karate Championship Concludes in Zadar with Spectacular Wins

Stellar Performances and Historic Wins Mark the Conclusion of the 2024 European Senior Karate Championship in Zadar

The 2024 European Senior Karate Championship in Zadar, Croatia, concluded with spectacular displays of skill and spirit, showcasing both seasoned champions and emerging talents. Athletes from across Europe came together to vie for continental supremacy, and many left with historic victories and memorable moments.

Kata Champions Emerge with Grace and Power

Female Kata
Dilara Bozan of Turkiye claimed her first gold medal in major international competitions in the Female Kata category. In a dramatic finale, Bozan edged out Terryana D’Onofrio of Italy by a tie-breaking criterion after both scored 42.40, highlighting her precision and composure under pressure.

Male Kata
Turkiye’s dominance in kata continued with Ali Sofuoglu retaining his title in the Male Kata division. Sofuoglu delivered a commanding performance, outscoring Damian Quintero of Spain 43.90 to 42.40. His back-to-back continental and world titles underscore his continued excellence and dominance in the discipline.

Local Heroes and International Stars Shine in Kumite

Male Kumite 84+ kg
Croatia’s Andjelo Kvesic brought home victory in the Male Kumite 84+ kg, defeating Matteo Avanzini of Italy 6-2. This win marked his second continental title, igniting the crowd in the Kresimir Cosic Sports hall as he took the host nation’s flag to the top of the podium.

Female Kumite -50 kg
Ema Sgardelli made a striking debut in the Female Kumite -50 kg, securing an 8-0 victory over Mihaela Mishovska of North Macedonia. Her dominant performance concluded early, earning her a memorable victory in her first continental appearance and adding to Croatia’s gold medal tally.

Male Kumite -67 kg
Hungary’s Yves Martial Tadissi clinched his first continental title in the Male Kumite -67 kg category with a tightly contested 1-1 victory over Nenad Dulovic of Montenegro, secured by senshu. Tadissi’s win marked a significant milestone after earning four continental bronze medals previously.

Male Kumite -60 kg
Christos-Stefanos Xenos of Greece continued his impressive run with another continental and world title in the Male Kumite -60 kg category, defeating Orges Arifi of Albania 3-1. Xenos’s consistent performances have established him as a formidable competitor on the European stage.

Women’s Kumite: From Veteran Champions to First-Time Winners

Female Kumite 68+ kg
Germany’s Johanna Kneer successfully defended her title in the Female Kumite 68+ kg, overcoming Rochelle Walters of England 4-2. Kneer’s second consecutive European title adds to her impressive season, which includes victories at the Karate 1 Premier League events.

Female Kumite -68 kg
Alizee Agier of France returned to the top of the podium in the Female Kumite -68 kg, defeating Elena Quirici of Switzerland 6-2. Agier’s victory underscores her continued dominance and expertise in the sport.

Female Kumite -61 kg
Ingrida Bakos Suchankova of Slovakia claimed the title in the Female Kumite -61 kg after edging out Lejla Topalovic of Austria 6-5. Suchankova’s win marked a triumphant return to competition following her recent motherhood.

Female Kumite -55 kg
Mia Bitsch of Germany captured her first continental title in the Female Kumite -55 kg, defeating Sonia Pereira of Spain 4-2. Bitsch’s victory showcased her emerging talent in a highly competitive field.

The 2024 European Senior Karate Championship in Zadar not only celebrated the prowess of individual athletes but also highlighted the camaraderie and shared passion for karate across nations. As competitors look ahead to future championships, the memories and achievements from Zadar will undoubtedly inspire and fuel their journey in the sport.