Montenegrin karate athletes have maintained their impressive performance and medal-winning momentum at significant competitions, securing six bronze medals at the European Championships for Cadets, Juniors, and Young Seniors, as reported by the Karate Federation.

The bronze medals were clinched in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, by younger seniors Balša Vojinović and Helena Backović, along with juniors Una Raković and Jovana Damjanović in wrestling, Katarina Vlahović in kata, and the men’s cadet-junior kata team made up of Benjamin Aljošević, Aleksa Janjić, Ajsel Gershwitz, and Aleksa Barjaktarović.

Although the women’s cadet-junior kata team, consisting of Viktorija Raičević, Mia Ramović, and Katarina Vlahović, narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing in fifth place after suffering a defeat in the match for bronze.

Vojinović, who captured bronze in the 60 kg category, expressed his happiness in repeating last year’s success and securing his third European medal.

“Regrettably, the Montenegrin anthem did not play in Poland, but this is only my first year competing in the junior senior category, so I will have more chances,” Vojinović remarked during a press conference.

He expressed gratitude towards his club Iskra, his coach and father Nenad Vojinović, as well as coaches Žarko Raković and Almir Cecunjanin.

“I also extend my thanks to my sparring partners, without whom this medal would not have been possible. Additionally, I appreciate my teammates from the national team for their support,” he added.

Raković, who secured a bronze medal in the junior women’s 66 kg division, conveyed her pride in returning from her second consecutive European Championship with a medal.

“I demonstrated to myself that I can win a medal even in the older age category. I was aiming for gold, but this medal is one of my favorites, as it affirms my skills. I am grateful to my coach Žarko Raković, coach Dejan Ivanović, my club, and my national team peers for their encouragement during the event,” said Raković, who previously won gold in the cadet category last year.

Junior Jovana Damjanović (over 66) announced that she had earned her fifth medal at major competitions in Poland.

“Last year, I was the European champion, but I am content with the bronze medal this time. My aim was to reaffirm my quality and to continue achieving good results,” Damjanović stated.

Younger senior Helena Backović (under 55) acknowledged her disappointment in not acquiring the top medal but expressed satisfaction with her performance in the new category.

“Given my transition from juniors to younger seniors, I am pleased with the outcome. I thank my coach Žarko Raković, without whom this achievement would not have been possible. I also appreciate my Karate Club Omladinac and my national team friends for their support,” Backović said.

Junior Katarina Vlahović celebrated a significant milestone in kata, as she brought home Montenegro’s first medal in that discipline in the women’s category after 19 years.

“I am extremely pleased with my performance and outcome at the European Championships; I showcased my best work to date. I competed in four matches, winning three. This achievement in Poland serves as positive motivation for my future endeavors,” Vlahović remarked.

She extended her gratitude to Iskra Karate Club, coach Biskrika Radulović, and all her personal trainers: Radomir Obranić, Srđan Vuković, and Marko Dučić.

Benjamin Aljošević, a member of the bronze medal-winning cadet-junior kata team, stated they were satisfied with their performance in Poland, expressing confidence in their abilities against Italy.

“It was a tough contest, but we performed really well. We had hoped to reach the finals, but unfortunately, we fell short. Our execution for third place against France was excellent, and we rightfully earned the medal,” Aljošević shared.

He believed that the match was won not only through their synchronized efforts on the tatami but also due to their immense desire and determination.

“All of this contributed to winning that medal. Our preparation lasted a whole year, and we trained extensively with head coach Milena Milačić and our coach Almir Cecunjanin,” stated Aljošević on behalf of the team.

Coach Milačić highlighted that the men’s cadet-junior team finally secured a medal after finishing fifth in two previous years.

She noted that the team exhibited quality, particularly in their victory against a very strong French team.

“We weren’t fortunate enough to advance against Italy in the quarterfinals. Perhaps fatigue played a role since they had two matches back-to-back. Italy has a formidable team, including a world medalist,” said Milačić.

She expressed gratitude to the Karate Federation for the organization and the support provided during the preparatory phase.

Head coach of the women’s kata team, Biseka Radulović, expressed pride that less than a year and a half after assuming her role, the team won its first medal.

“Vlahović’s medal is a testament to her preparation and performance at the championship. The women’s kata team, which also includes Viktorija Ričević and Mija Ramović, came very close to claiming a medal, despite facing numerous challenges during their preparation. They demonstrated remarkable courage; we agreed that despite Mija Ramović’s injury, we would persevere and give our all at the European Championships,” Radulović explained.

National team director Miodrag Radunović declared that a significant success was accomplished in Poland.

“Although we did not reach any finals this year, we should feel satisfied considering the many competitors who transitioned from cadet to junior or from junior to senior ranks. This shift contributed to our medal tally not being any higher,” Radunović stated.

He emphasized the exceptional quality of Montenegrin karate and the dedicated efforts of the selection team and federation’s management in pursuing significant achievements at the largest international events.

Radunović also commended international referee Toko Raičević, who earned the prestigious European A license during the championship.

Head of delegation Veljko Brnović announced that the European Championship gathered 49 countries and 1,225 competitors.

“Montenegro finished seventh in the medal tally with six bronze medals, placing behind only six other countries. However, since the overall rankings are determined by Olympic standards, our final ranking is slightly lower,” Brnović reported.

Montenegrin karate was represented by a total of 39 karatekas at the European Championships for Cadets, Juniors, and Young Seniors in Poland – 28 in fighting and 11 in kata.

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