Kickboxer Jake Azzopardi and bowler Kayden Laganà have been named the Atlas Youth Athletes of the Month for April, following exceptional performances in their respective sports on the international stage.
At just 11 years of age, Azzopardi made history by becoming Malta’s youngest gold medalist at the ISKA European Kickboxing Championships, which were held locally. Training under Master Noel Mercieca, Azzopardi impressed with a gold medal victory in the Muay Thai 40kg category. He also added a silver in the Unified Rules event and a bronze in K1 Light, rounding off a remarkable showing at the tournament.
For Kayden Laganà, this marks the third time he has received the monthly honour, having previously won in September 2020 and January 2021. The 17-year-old bowler earned a bronze medal at the European Youth Championships in Turkey. Laganà advanced to the semi-finals with a narrow win over Turkish favourite Tuna Boncu before being edged out by eventual champion Timeo Dujardin of France.
The award was presented by Matthew von Brockdorff, Managing Director and CEO of Atlas Insurance. Representing the Malta Sports Journalists Association were General Secretary Lorraine Cunningham and Administrator Stephen Azzopardi.
A collaboration between the Malta Sports Journalists Association and Atlas Insurance, the monthly award recognises outstanding achievements by athletes under the age of 21. Sporting bodies are encouraged to submit nominations to ensure deserving young talent is considered each month. All monthly winners are automatically shortlisted for the annual award.
