247Sports.News: Italian ParaKarate Dominates European Championships, Italy Tops Medal Table

Yerevan, Armenia – Italian ParaKarate continues to make waves on the international scene, demonstrating its consolidated status and unstoppable growth. The recent European Championships in Yerevan served as another monumental stage for the nation’s para-athletes to prove their prowess.

Dream Turned Reality

ראשיכcked onto the global stage in just over a decade, Italian ParaKarate, represented by ASD Velitena Toukon Karate-Do and led by technical director “Maestro Luca Nicosanti”, has revolutionized the field of karate for athletes with disabilities. The Fijlkam Federation recognizes the Italian ParaKarate sector, even at the Paralympic level.

European Championships Showcase

A youthful blue team, with three debutants — Pietro Merlo (men’s K30), Patrick Bowalda (men’s K22), and Claudia Polenta (women’s K22) — tackled the European Championships alongside veterans like Mattia Allensina. Despite the absence of key players like Benedetta Belotti andValetero di Cocco due to health issues, the team secured an impressive 4 medals:

• Gold: Mattia Allensina (men’s K22)
• Bronze: Pietro Merlo (men’s K30)
• Bronze: Patrick Bowalda (men’s K22)
• Bronze: Yana Yakymashko (women’s K21)

Daniele Alfonsi, also from ASD Velitena Toukon Karate-Do, finished fifth in the men’s K22 category.

Italy Secures Third Place and Medal Record

Italy’s 4 medals earned them third place in the general medal table. However, they topped the table with the most medals won. This remarkable achievement is indebted to the professionalism of the Fijlkam Federation and its commitment to para-athletes.

The Road Ahead

The ASD Velitena Toukon Karate-Do is now gearing up for upcoming national commitments. Karate athletes will compete in the Lombardy Open, while ParaKarate athletes will head to Sardinia for the Beach Games.

“The Karate-Do Toukon lives in the area all the revolution of this movement in the passion of karate, parakarate and with the energy of martial arts.”

Did you know?

ParaKarate’s Exponential Growth – The number of athletes with disabilities participating in national Italian championships has increased by more than 500% since 2021, demonstrating the sport’s growing popularity and accessibility.

Pro Tip

Supporting Athletes’ Well-being – The Italian national team benefits from the expertise of a sports psychologist, Carolina Ficociello, highlighting the importance of athlete support and mental health in high-level competition.

Call to Action

Stay tuned to 247Sports.News for more updates on the incredible journey of Italian ParaKarate!