The elite of European Karate gathers in Montpellier (France) from May, 5-8 to crown the new kings and queens of the sport in the continent. The 51st edition of the continental championship will showcase a memorable quest for gold, as some of the biggest names of the sport have confirmed their participation in the event.

The elite of European Karate gathers in Montpellier (France) from May, 5-8 to crown the new kings and queens of the sport in the continent. The 51st edition of the continental championship will showcase a memorable quest for gold, as some of the biggest names of the sport have confirmed their participation in the event.

Once that the registration process of competitors have ended, more than 400 Karatekas from 46 countries have signed to perform in the anticipated tournament to be held in Montpellier. The outstanding level of the competition is guaranteed as no less than nine world champions and seven world runners-up will lead the spectacular journey to the top of the podium.

World champion in Female Kumite -50 Kg Serap Ozcelik from Turkey will act as one of the biggest stars of the event, just as compatriot and also World Championship winner Enes Erkan in Male Kumite 84+ kg. Italy’s Sara Cardin will defend her condition of gold medallist in the World Championship in Female Kumite -55 Kg, while Gogita Arkania from Georgia aims at repeating his success in Male Kumite -84 kg in the 2014 world event in Bremen.

The attention of local Karate enthusiasts will be captured by the large number of medallists in top international events who will head the representation of the host nation. World gold medallist Alizee Agier will try to use the home ground factor in Female Kumite -68 kg, whereas world runner-up and European champion Emilie Thouy in Female Kumite -55 Kg and World Championship silver medallist in Female Kata Sandy Scordo will also be among the fan favourites of the French delegation.

Defending European Champions

Each one of the current European champions will also participate in the competition, thus ensuring that moments of the best Karate will be experienced in Montpellier. The Karatekas who claimed gold in the 2015 European Championships held in Istanbul travel to the French city with the intention of repeating triumphs in the main continental tournament so to appear as frontrunners of the thrilling event.

The athletes who will act as defending champions in Montpellier are:

Female Kata: Sandra Sanchez (ESP)   
Female Kumite -50kg: Bettina Plank (AUT)
Female Kumite -55kg: Emilie Thouy (FRA)    
Female Kumite -61kg: Lucie Ignace (FRA)
Female Kumite -68kg: Alisa Bunchinger (AUT)   
Female Kumite +68kg: Masa Martinovic (CRO)
Male Kata: Damian Quintero (ESP)    
Male Kumite -60kg: Luca Maresca (ITA)
Male Kumite -67kg: Niyazi Aliyev (AZE)    
Male Kumite -75kg: Rafael Aghayev (AZE)
Male Kumite -84kg: Nello Maestri (ITA)   
Male Kumite +84kg: Slobodan Bitevic (SRB)