Montenegrin Kickboxers Achieve Eight Medals in Antalya
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The Montenegrin kickboxing team concluded its participation in the World Cup in Antalya with a total of eight medals—four gold, two silver, and two bronze.
Senior athlete Nemanja Čađenović, who had been sidelined at the start of the season due to injury, triumphed in this prestigious competition in Turkey for the third consecutive year.
In the finals of the low kick discipline (under 71 kg), Čađenović secured a convincing victory over local fighter Enes Kojunču with a score of 3:0.
During the semifinals, he overcame Elnur Mustafayev from Azerbaijan and Furlan Ziya from Turkey.
The top junior from Montenegro, Viktor Dukić, also claimed the highest accolade, defeating Ali Kaja from Turkey by knockout in the first round in the final of the low kick category (over 91 kg).
Juniors Isah Tarhaniš and Slađana Božović both achieved gold medals as well.
Tarhaniš (low kick, up to 57 kg) won against Azerbaijani fighters Umid Najafli and Murad Mamadov without contest, ultimately defeating Mert Bozkurt from Turkey in the finals.
Božović (low kick, under 56 kg) advanced to the finals unopposed, securing victory over local competitor Fatma Erol.
Juniors Gzim Prelvukaj and Sultan Imeri took home silver medals.
Prelvukaj (low kick, up to 67 kg) defeated Erin Eskin from Turkey in his debut match for the national team but lost to Elvin Fatalili from Azerbaijan in the final for the gold medal.
Imeri’s opponent didn’t show up in the semifinals, yet he fell short against Frenchman Adam Dailey in the final (low kick, up to 54 kg).
Juniors Jovan Lipovina and Isah Agović earned bronze medals.
Lipovina (low kick, up to 63.5 kg) triumphed over Burak Dam from Turkey in the opening round but was halted in the semifinals by another domestic fighter, Husejin Karagač.
Agović had a free pass initially but was defeated by Emir Acar from Turkey in the semifinals.
Coach Goran Radonjić praised the achievements in Antalya, calling the tournament an excellent test for the Montenegrin competitors.
He noted that after a brief hiatus, Nemanja Čađenović improved with each match, showcasing good form.
“He was dominant in the final. The junior team largely met expectations. It’s a pity we don’t have had more matches, as we faced several cancellations from opponents. Nevertheless, Dukić demonstrated strong skill during his short time in the ring. I am pleased with the fighting spirit and determination shown by Božović and Tarhaniš,” said Radonjić.
He also mentioned that some competitors did not perform well, while others had the chance to debut for the national team.
“These were valuable tests in anticipation of upcoming events—less than a month from now, we will participate in the World Cup in Budapest,” Radonjić added.
The World Cup in Antalya featured more than 2,600 competitors from 41 countries.
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