SKSM Karate Malta recently took part in an international competition in Messina, Sicily.

The Maltese team, headed by coach Chris Galea, was made up of Alenka Falzon, Liam Gauci, Kurt Borg and Andrew Galea, all of whom took part in the junior category, and Emanuel Farrugia who figured in the seniors event.

The tournament saw the participation of over 350 athletes from several foreign associations. The Maltese team returned home with a tally of eight medals – three gold, one silver and four bronze.

In the juniors event, Galea put on a fine showing in the U-13 kumite competition as he finished first among 23 athletes.

Gauci continued to show marked improvement in the sport as he won the gold medal in the kumite’s U-10 category.

Kurt Borg reached the quarter-finals in this event where he lost to an Italian opponent and finished fifth overall. Borg made up for this upset by winning the kata category with maximum points.

Galea clinched his second medal of the tournament when he placed third in the U-15 kata competition.

Falzon, the only female in the Maltese team, was third in the U-15 kata competition.

In the team event, Galea, Gauci and Falzon produced a spirited performance to net the bronze medal behind the more-quoted teams of Germany and Italy.

In the senior event, Farrugia had to settle for silver after coming close to winning the gold medal.

Coach Chris Galea issued a statement expressing his satisfaction at the results achieved by his athletes in Messina. He said this achievement is testament to the great dedication shown by the students and the teachers of the school.

Meanwhile, SKSM Karate Malta are currently undergoing intensive training in preparation for an international competition to be held in Germany. They are also planning to take part in tournaments in Holland, Italy and England.

For more information on SKSM Karate Malta, one may call on 7953-7924 or 2145-3706 or visit www.sksmalta.com.