The first day of the European Games in karate is behind us. Great emotions and fierce competition

The first day of karate competitions at the European Games Krakow – Malopolska 2023 has come to an end. On June 22, women and men performed in kata and kumite competitions.

Fans warmly cheered their favorites. There was an atmosphere of sports festivity. We watched many fierce duels, during which there was no shortage of emotions until the very end. As the athletes themselves stressed, the level of the Games was very high.

Among women, the gold medal in the kata competition was won by Paola Garcia Lozano (ESP). Her opponent in the finals was Helvetia Taily (FRA).

In the men’s kata, Damian Quintero Capdevila (ESP) triumphed, competing against Ali Sofuoglu (TUR) in the final. – The final went very well for me. I enjoyed it and it went great,” said the winner.

The gold medal of the Games in women’s kumite, in the category up to 50 kg, was won by Bettina Plank (AUT), whose rival was Erminia Perfetto (ITA). – I am very happy. It’s amazing to be here for the first time,” stated the Austrian woman.

In the men’s kumite up to 60 kg, the winner was Eray Samdam (TUR). His opponent in the final fight was Christos Stefan Xenos (GRE). – This is my first European Games. I am very happy. Xenos was a very difficult opponent,” assessed the gold medalist.

Anzhelika Terliuga (UKR) won the gold medal in kumite in the up to 55 kg category. After a fierce battle, her advantage had to be recognized by the excellent Ivet Goranova (BUL). – It was a great rematch. This time I won. I had wonderful support from the stands. This is a great end of the season for me,” said the Ukrainian.

Tural Aghalarzada (AZE) won after a very exciting final in the 67 kg category, in which his opponent was Dionysios Xenos (GRE).

A historic medal (bronze) for Poland in karate at the European Games was won by Milosz Sabiecki. – It was a very tough fight. I felt much better than before the preliminaries. There was no longer so much pressure. It’s a pity that there is no final, because that’s what I dreamed of, but I also dreamed of that medal I won. What is happening now in my life is a dream come true. I put everything on one card to be at this moment. I am proud of myself. I am very happy. I thank the fans for their support, including my parents, coaches and friends,” he commented.

A competitor of the local club, Anna Kowalska, performed in Bielsko-Biała. She ended the competition at the elimination stage, but is satisfied with her start. – It’s a nice experience. My club, Atemi Bielsko-Biala, organizes the Polish Open every year, which is one of the biggest events in Europe. So it is known that I feel very comfortable in this hall, where I also train. So the atmosphere here is almost family-like for me,” she said.

Tomorrow the second part of the karate competition in the higher weight categories. They will start at 9 am and end at 7:30 pm.