Malta achieved an outstanding team result at the 11th Small States of Europe Karate Championships, held in Larnaca, Cyprus, from 31 October to 2 November 2025. The national team finished second overall, winning a total of 46 medals, 11 gold, 8 silver and 27 bronze.
A major highlight for Malta was securing gold medals across all five competition age groups, Under 14, Cadet, Junior, Under 21 and Senior – in both individual and team categories, and in both kata and kumite events. With more than 80% of athletes reaching the podium, this marks one of Malta’s best collective performances in the history of the championships.
Among the standout competitors was Jessica Vella, who won three gold medals in the U21 individual kata, senior individual kata, and team kata events, making her one of the top performers of the tournament.
The 53-athlete delegation was led by national kata coaches Michelle Vella, Joseph Tanti, Matthew Vella and Michelle Conti, and kumite coaches Josef Antonelli and Joseph Mizzi, under the technical direction of Jesmond Schembri. Three Maltese officials, Susan Sciortino, Frank Vella and Anthony Zammit, also formed part of the international refereeing panel. The delegation was headed by Audrey Zammit, MKF IT Director.
“This result confirms the progress Malta has made in improving technical standards and competing consistently at international level. Our focus now is to continue strengthening our athlete development pathway and ensure that Malta remains competitive,” said MKF President Kenneth Abela.
“The athletes, coaches and support team have worked tirelessly throughout the year, and these results are a direct reflection of their commitment. This success highlights the strength of our national programme and the growing depth of Maltese karate,” added MKF Technical Director Jesmond Schembri.
The Federation will now focus on hosting the 2026 edition of the Small States of Europe Karate Championships in Malta, aiming to build further on this success.
The Malta Karate Federation expressed its gratitude to SportMalta and the Maltese Olympic Committee for their continued support in the development of karate both nationally and internationally.
