A total of 24 local martial artists have just taken part in two different competitions away from our shores – in Cyprus and Poland.

Results were very encouraging with most of the athletes representing the Malta Karate Federation returning home with medals in the various categories contested.

The tournament for European small states was staged in Cyprus with the participation of over 150 athletes from Monaco, San Marino, Luxembourg, Malta and the home country.

The Maltese medal haul included four gold, three silver and ten bronze.

“This was a very high level competition where elite athletes are selected to represent their country and participate in the two different areas of karate – Kata (forms) and Kumite (sparring),” MKF president Kenneth Abela said.

“Our athletes trained hard and this showed. There was a high level of determination and commitment also from our sensei who dedicate a lot of their time to prepare for the championships.”

The other international competition where the MKF team was involved was the Polish Open International Grand Prix.

Here, the team managed two gold medals, one silver and five bronze. Among the winners was Anthony Zammit in the Masters Class.

Abela said: “Congratulations go to Sensei Zammit who achieved gold. The level of competition in Poland was very high but we’re also seeing a constant improvement in our athletes.”

The Malta Karate Federation thanked Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport and the Maltese Olympic Committee for their constant support.