The 61st WKF European Championship concluded in Frankfurt, Germany.
According to the Azerbaijan Karate Federation, 586 karatekas from 50 countries competed from May 20-24.
The European Championship was successful for Azerbaijani karatekas. Female karateka Madina Sadigova won a gold medal in the 55 kg category, becoming Azerbaijan's first female European champion among adults under the WKF.
Another representative, Irina Zaretska, won a bronze medal in the 68 kg category.
Our parakarate athletes - Vidadi Khaligov, Farrukh Gaybaliyev, and Aysel Ahmadli - became bronze medalists of the European Championship.
The women's kumite team also won a bronze medal in team competitions, bringing another success to our country. The team included Madina Sadigova, Irina Zaretska, Gulay Orujova, and Aysu Aliyeva.
Some members of the men's team were close to a medal but could not reach the podium this time.
Azerbaijani karatekas ranked 6th in Europe in the overall team standings, which is seen as another indicator of the development of Azerbaijani karate on the international stage.
It is noted that during the championship, the president of the Azerbaijan Karate Federation, Ulvi Guliyev, met with the president of the World Karate Federation, Antonio Espinos. The meeting covered the development of karate in Azerbaijan, international cooperation opportunities, and future projects.
There was also a meeting with world-renowned Japanese karate master, 9th dan black belt holder, Shihan Kagawa, discussing experience and development prospects in karate.
