Larnaca: Hosting the Karate 1 Series A tournament in Cyprus is deemed a significant milestone, according to President of the Cyprus Karate Federation, Andreas Vassiliou. This event, which will see participation from 1,149 athletes representing 86 countries, is expected to have the largest number of countries ever partaking in a competition organized in Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the tournament is scheduled to take place from February 14-16 at the Kition Sports Centre in Larnaca. A press conference is set for Friday, February 14, featuring Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation (WKF).
Vassiliou highlighted the importance of this event for Cyprus, noting that the Cyprus Karate Federation has gained substantial experience in hosting major international championships. Since 2019, Cyprus has organized eight significant international events in Limassol and Larnaca, attracting nearly 8,000 athletes and over 10,000 visitors, including coaches, referees, officials, and spectators.
He emphasized that such events elevate Cyprus’s standing as a sports destination, offering top-quality services and hospitality, which encourages participants to revisit the island.
The tournament will also see the participation of 299 coaches, 83 international referees from 37 countries, and 32 federation presidents or representatives. Cyprus itself will be represented by 26 athletes.
When discussing expectations for the Cypriot athletes, Vassiliou acknowledged the high level of competition but maintained optimism. He noted that Cypriot athletes have previously secured medals in similar tournaments. The championship includes athletes ranked 33rd and above globally and is one of four ranking tournaments organized annually by the WKF in Georgia, Cyprus, Malaysia, and Austria.
Vassiliou mentioned that the federation continues to engage in international events, gaining valuable experience and achieving commendable results. Currently, the U16, U18, and U21 national teams are competing in the 52nd European Championship in Poland, where Anna Michaelidou has already won a bronze medal in the U16 +61kg category.
Looking towards the future, Vassiliou stated that the Federation’s programme remains challenging, with a slew of domestic and international competitions lined up for 2025. He stressed the need for enhanced financial support, based on criteria like the number of athletes, clubs, and international events hosted in Cyprus.
Source: Cyprus News Agency