Malta produced an impressive performance at the 12th Small States of Europe Karate Championships, winning 63 medals to finish second in the overall standings behind Cyprus.

The Maltese contingent collected 12 gold, 13 silver and 38 bronze medals during the championships, which were organised by the Malta Karate Federation at the Cottonera Sports Complex last weekend.

The competition attracted 217 athletes from eight countries – Andorra, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro and San Marino.

Malta fielded a strong selection of 70 athletes competing in kata and kumite across several age categories, ranging from Under-14 to senior level.

The Maltese enjoyed considerable success in kata, securing eight gold medals. Francesca Saliba, Dawn Dimech, Jake Vella, Jenna Awad Attia and Jessica Vella all claimed individual titles.

Further gold medals were secured in the Female Senior Team Kata, Female Under-18 Team Kata and Male Under-18 Team Kata events.

Malta also performed strongly in kumite, where Zenden Seychell, Thyis Antonelli and Heorhii Denysov captured individual gold medals, while the Male Under-16 Team Kumite selection also finished on top of the podium.

The national team collected 38 bronze medals, more than any other participating country, underlining the depth of talent within the Maltese squad.

Eight Maltese competitors finished the championships with three medals each.

The event also provided an important opportunity for the development of local karate officials.

Tarek Al Halabi, Eleonora Conti, Jade Conti and Kayla Formosa successfully completed their refereeing examinations in kata and kumite, qualifying as Small States of Europe Karate Federation judges.

Cyprus topped the final medal standings with 66 medals, including 23 gold, while Malta finished runners-up with 63 medals. Iceland occupied third place.

The championships were officially inaugurated by Minister for Education and Sport Byron Camilleri.

The opening ceremony included an address by Malta Karate Federation president Kenneth Abela, gymnastics displays by participants from the Let’s Move Malta Gymnastics Hub and a performance of the Maltese national anthem by Junior Eurovision winner Chanel Monseigneur.

Abela expressed satisfaction with the achievements of the Maltese athletes and the successful organisation of the international competition.

He praised the commitment of the competitors, coaches, volunteers and officials, whose combined efforts contributed to the championships’ success.

The federation president also acknowledged the support provided by SportMalta, the Maltese Olympic Committee, VisitMalta and the Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights.

The championships further highlighted Malta’s ability to organise international sporting competitions while providing valuable competitive experience for its developing karate athletes.

The 13th edition of the Small States of Europe Karate Championships will be held in Montenegro in 2027.

Malta’s medal tally

Overall classification: 1. Cyprus (66 medals, 23 gold); 2. Malta (63 medals, 12 gold); 3. Iceland.