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Croatian Karatekas Shine at European Championships: Two Golds and Team Bronze Secure Third Place in Europe

From Večernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Croatian female karatekas secured two gold medals at the 61st European Karate Championships in Frankfurt, contributing significantly to the team's total of six medals.
  • Ema Sgardelli won gold in the -50kg category for the third consecutive year, while Sadea Bećirović triumphed in the -68kg category.
  • The Croatian women's team also clinched a bronze medal in the team kumite event, solidifying Croatia's position as the third-strongest karate nation in Europe.

Frankfurt, Germany – Croatia's female karatekas have once again demonstrated their dominance, securing two gold medals at the 61st European Karate Championships. The impressive haul of six medals overall, including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes, places Croatia as the third-leading karate nation in Europe.

It's a beautiful feeling to be back on the podium after three years, especially since this has earned us a spot in this year's team World Championships.

· Sadea BećirovićCommenting on the team's bronze medal win and qualification for the World Championships.

In a remarkable display of skill and consistency, 22-year-old Ema Sgardelli from Rijeka achieved a historic feat, winning the European title in her -50kg category for the third year in a row. She navigated five matches with only one point conceded, a performance described as "miraculous."

I am very happy to be part of a team with great energy, where we fight for each other. I believe this team is destined for more than a European bronze.

· Emma SgardelliExpressing her satisfaction with the team's performance and potential.

Sadea Bećirović also earned a gold medal in the -68kg category. Mia Greta Zorko added a silver medal to Croatia's tally. The strong individual performances paved the way for the women's team kumite event, where Bećirović secured a crucial victory against Austria to clinch the bronze medal for the team.

We never had three individual women's finals before, and to come away with two golds is a historic success. It's beyond wildest dreams.

· Ivana Bebek BašićThe team coach reflecting on the unprecedented success of the Croatian female karatekas.

"It's a beautiful feeling to be back on the podium after three years, especially since this has earned us a spot in this year's team World Championships," said Bećirović. Sgardelli added, "I am very happy to be part of a team with great energy, where we fight for each other. I believe this team is destined for more than a European bronze."

It still feels unreal that I've been a three-time European champion for so many years. The final was stressful, but I enjoyed it.

· Emma SgardelliSharing her feelings about her consecutive European championship titles.
About this summary

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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