Welcome messages
As we eagerly anticipate the upcoming 2024 EKF Senior Championships to be held in Zadar, Croatia, from May 8 to 12, 2024, I am filled with immense pride and enthusiasm. This event marks a significant moment for the sport of Karate in Europe, bringing together the best athletes from our continent in a celebration of skill, dedication, and sporting spirit.
The EKF Senior Championships serve as a testament to the strength and unity of the European Karate community. It is a platform where competitors showcase
their exceptional talents, pushing the boundaries of excellence and inspiring the next generation of Karate enthusiasts.
I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Croatian Karate Union and its esteemed President, Davor Cipek, for their unwavering commitment and collaboration in organising this prestigious event. Their dedication to the sport and their exceptional organisational skills plays a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the championships.
Croatia’s rich history and passion for Karate provide an ideal backdrop for this gathering of elite athletes. Nonetheless, Croatia have become a major hub of Karate since the country host one of the most popular and anticipated events of the year, the WKF Youth Camp in Porec; the nation, located at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, has also welcomed memorable tournaments such as Karate 1- Youth League events since 2018, the EKF Senior Championships in 2009 and 2021, and the EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in 2004, to name a few. I am confident that Zadar will not only be a spectacular host but will also create an atmosphere that elevates the competition to new heights.
As we come together in Zadar, let us embrace our values, and the honour, and respect that define the essence of Karate. May the championships be a source of inspiration, fostering lasting memories and friendships within our Karate community.
Best of luck to all the participants and organisers and a big “Oss” to all of you Karate
fans.
Antonio Espinós
President
European Karate Federation (EKF)
Dear sports friends, dear athletes, dear Karate enthusiasts,
I am very pleased that Croatia will once again gather the best karate players in Europe at the 59th EKF Senior Championships in the beautiful town of Zadar.
Croatia is a country of sports in every aspect – not only by the results achieved by our athletes at the world and European level, but also through our extensive experience in hosting of the biggest sports competitions.
That is why I am glad that the European Karate Federation has recognized that Croatian Karate Union and Croatia cansuccessfully host another important competition, and I am sure that the championship in Zadar will not only meet but also exceed expectations. In addition to being one of Croatia’s famous coastal destinations, with a wonderful Old Town brimming with cultural and historical heritage, Zadar is also a city that lives for sport and a home to many Croatian sport legends. I believe that competing in such an environment will be additional motivation for the karate players in this Championship.
Dear athletes, I wish you a warm welcome to Croatia and hope that this championship will be a wonderful memory in your sporting career. I am sure that we will all enjoy top fights, but also invite you to experience the rich offer in this charming city of great sporting successes, interesting history and rich cultural and natural heritage.
Nikolina Brnjac
Minister of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia
Dear karate friends,
With great pleasure and anticipation, we extend a warm welcome to all participants, officials, and supporters to the European Seniors Karate and Para-Karate Championships Zadar 2024. This prestigious event is set to take place in the beautiful city of Zadar, Croatia, showcasing the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and excellence in the martial arts.
As the host nation, we are honored to welcome hundreds of talented athletes from approximately fifty European countries. The diversity and skill that each participant brings to the championships, promise to make this a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience for all involved.
These championships serve as a platform for both competition
and a celebration of the rich cultural tapestry that unites us all through the art of karate. Zadar, with its historic charm and scenic beauty, provides a fitting backdrop for this gathering of karate enthusiasts from across the continent.
May this event be a testament to the continuing spirit of the karate community, surpassing borders and bringing us together in the pursuit of excellence. We wish each participant the very best,and look forward to witnessing the unstoppable spirit and skill on display throughout the championships.
Welcome to Zadar, Croatia, where the heart of European karate beats as one.
Davor Cipek
President of the Croatian Karate Union