Led by the outstanding performances of the top Karate Stars, the 2016 European Championships crowned the new kings and queens of the sport in the first day of finals of the event being held in Montpellier (France).

Montpellier, France, May 7, 2016. Led by the outstanding performances of the top Karate Stars, the 2016 European Championships crowned the new kings and queens of the sport in the first day of finals of the event being held in Montpellier (France).

Azerbaijan’s hero Rafael Aghayev claimed his ninth gold medal in European Championships and was confirmed as one of the most outstanding figures of the sport.

Following his victories in the 2015, 2013, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2005 and 2004 editions of the continental championships, the 31 years-old Karate ace beat Turkey’s Erman Eltemur to state once again his domination in the category.

“Karate is a big part of my life; I appreciate the support of my family and my fans, and those who help me be who I am. I would also like to thank the French fans for their cheers, they made me feel at home today and were fundamental in my way to gold,” said Rafael Aghayev after his 3-0 victory.

Alexandra Recchia leads hosts’ success

Shining in front of family and friends, Alexandra Recchia gave local fans reasons to celebrate as the French star won gold in the Female Kumite -50kg category. In one of the most anticipated moments of the tournament, the 28 years-old fan favourite upset Turkey’s star Serap Ozcelik in a sensational final. Alexandra Recchia won the combat 2-0 and clinched her second gold medal in European championships, much to delight of the home crowd at Montpellier Arena.

Alexandra Recchia’s victory continued the successful performance of French Karatekas in the first day of finals. Lucie Ignace claimed gold in Female Kumite -61kg, and Anne Laure Florentin reached the top of the podium in Female Kumite +68kg, just as Steven Dacosta in Male Kumite -67kg, while Vu Duc Minh Dack and Sandy Scordo also increased the tally of the host delegation with their silver medals in Male and Kata.



Sara Cardin’s thrilling path to glory

In a tear-jerking outcome, Italy’s Sara Cardin beat Ukraine’s Anzhelika Terliuga in the last seconds of combat so to continue shining in Female Kumite -55kg. The Karate Star added the gold medal in Montpellier to her triumphs in the 2014 World Championships and in the 2010 and 2014 European Championships in a disputed clash which was solved by patience and determination of the Italian Karateka.

“This medal means so  much to me. It is very difficult to keep on performing well at the highest level, and to be here today was already an accomplishment for me,” said Sara Cardin, who also had words of acknowledgement for her rival’s performance today. “She was great. She surprised me with her techniques which were difficult for me to stop, but I am proud because I did not break down. I had this disadvantage that I could not recover. At the end she was sanctioned and I was lucky enough to win,” she added.

Spain’s domination in Kata

With presence in each one of the four Kata finals of the competition, Spain proved its condition of European power in the category. Spaniards clinched two of their three gold medals on Saturday as Damian Quintero and Sandra Sanchez ruled in Male and Female Individual Kata, respectively.

Karate Star Damian Quintero completed a spectacular Chatanyara Kushanku Kata and beat France’s Vu Duc Minh Dack thus claiming his second consecutive gold medal in European Championships in his sixth final in the main continental event. 



Spain’s Sandra Sanchez followed the pattern of his team-mate and beat France’s Sandy Scordo in the double French-Spanish clash of the day. The 34 years-old Karateka outclassed the local hopeful with her Chatanyara Kushanku Kata and claimed her second consecutive gold medal in European Championships.

The thrill of the best European Karate will continue with the last day of competition to be held on Sunday. The race to the medals will end with a final day which will be streamed live on WKF YouTube Channel.

Follow the action of European Karate Championships on WKF Social Media. Karate fans are invited to participate in the excitement using the hashtag #EuroKarate2016.