60th EKF European Championships in Yerevan – A karate fireworks display in Armenia
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Karate European Championships in Yerevan: A fireworks display of emotions, struggle and historic victories
The sun shone brightly over Yerevan as Europe’s best karate practitioners gathered for the 60th EKF European Championships. With the mighty Ararat Mountains as a backdrop and an electric atmosphere in the arena, it was an unforgettable week – filled with intense matches, unexpected twists and emotional moments.
A tough start – but not the end
From the first day, it was clear that this was not going to be an easy championship. The pace was high, the matches were tough and the fights were not long in coming. The international team PUNOK had a tough start – profiles such as Johanna Kneer (Germany), Sydney Yvon (France) and Emina Sipović (Bosnia) fell to tough opposition. But if it was a setback, it was also the spark for a strong comeback.
Mia's magical journey
The spotlight soon turned to Germany's Mia Bitsch, who in the -55 kg class showed why she is one of the absolute best in Europe. After impressive matches, she made it to the semi-finals – where none other than the 2021 Olympic champion awaited. But Mia did not hesitate. She delivered an incomparable performance and secured her place in the final with a powerful 11-8 victory. The crowd exploded – a moment to remember.
Hard fight, pure passion
The championship also featured matches where emotions boiled over. Like the clash between Florian Haas (Germany) and Stefanos Xenos (Greece) in the -60 kg class – a fight that showcased the raw intensity of karate. Both were sent off in a match that was as dramatic as it was technically skilled.
Teamwork – where the heart beats the hardest
When the German women's kumite team stepped onto the mat on Friday, it was with a clear goal in mind – the final. And they delivered! Johanna Kneer, Mia Bitsch, Hanna Riedel, Madeleine Schröder and Schara Hubrich showed teamwork, focus and fighting spirit. In the semi-final against Greece, there was no question – Germany made it to the final, with Kneer's victory as the big highlight of the day.
A defending champion with nerves of steel
Saturday's final offered perhaps the most dramatic moment of the championship. Mia Bitsch faced the challenge of defending her title against Jenny Warling from Luxembourg. The match was close for a long time, but with only seconds left Mia struck with a lightning-fast Ura Mawashi Geri – three points, title defended, and a new chapter in her karate journey written.
A historic hat-trick
Sunday rounded off the championship in style. In the final of the women's team kumite, Germany faced rival France – without PUNOK's Sydney Yvon on the mat. Germany once again showed their strength: Hannah Riedel scored the first point, Johanna Kneer decided – and the team secured their third consecutive European Championship gold. A historic hat-trick!
“This team inspired”
National team coach Noah Bitsch couldn't be prouder. With three golds, four bronzes and first place in the national rankings, he summed up the championship:
“This team didn’t just fight – it inspired.”
More than a championship
The 60th EKF European Championships in Yerevan were not just a competition. They were a celebration of sport, of community and of the power of never giving up. With a city that proved to be a world-class host, and a German national team that made history, this European Championship will live long in the memory.
And now we look ahead:
Frankfurt 2026 – we are ready!
60th EKF European Championship in Yerevan – A Karate Firework in Armenia
The sun was shining brightly over the Armenian capital as Karate Europe gathered for the 60th time at the EKF European Championship – and what an anniversary it turned out to be! The atmosphere in the historic competition arena, framed by the majestic backdrop of Mount Ararat, was electric. Between ancient charm and sporting tension, a championship unfolded that was almost unmatched in drama, passion, and emotion.
From the very first day of competition, it was clear: the European Championship in Yerevan would be no walk in the park. High-class duels, bitter defeats, and early surprises set the tone. The international Team PUNOK also had a rocky start. Johanna Kneer (Germany), Sydney Yvon (France), and Emina Sipović (Bosnia) were defeated by strong opponents – a setback, but not a lasting one.
Because then came Mia Bitsch.
The exceptional German athlete shook the arena on the second day in the -55 kg category. After confidently advancing through the preliminary rounds, none other than the 2021 Olympic champion awaited in the semifinals – and Mia delivered! In a spectacular exchange of blows, she battled her way into the final with a furious 11:8 victory. What a statement!
But it wasn't just Mia who caused a stir. The bout between Florian Haas (GER) and Stefanos Xenos (GRE) in the -60 kg category also showcased karate at its finest – with the better end for the Greek, who would later be eliminated himself. An early exit for both, but a fight to remember.
Then came Friday: team time. And what a show the German women's kumite team put on! Johanna Kneer, Mia Bitsch, Hanna Riedel, Madeleine Schröder, and Schara Hubrich powered through the semifinal with precision and strength. Greece stood no chance – into the final! Kneer's determined win in the last fight was the emotional highlight of the day.
Final day on Saturday began with goosebumps: title defense for Mia Bitsch. In a nerve-racking duel against Jenny Warling from Luxembourg, the score remained tight for a long time. But then – just seconds before the end – the perfect moment: a lightning-fast Ura Mawashi Geri, three points, title defended! Mia crowned herself two-time European Champion – a triumph for the ages.
And as if that weren't enough, Sunday brought the crowning finale: gold in the women's team kumite! Against France – without the participation of PUNOK athlete Sydney Yvon – the German team once again showed strength and nerves of steel. Hannah Riedel scored first, Johanna Kneer sealed the deal. The third consecutive team title – a historic hat-trick!
National coach Noah Bitsch beamed with joy after the final day. Three gold medals, four bronze, and first place in the national rankings – it hardly gets better than that. "This team didn't just fight, it inspired," Bitsch summarized proudly.
And so it's clear: the 60th EKF European Championship in Yerevan was more than a sporting event – it was a celebration. Of karate. Of Europe. Of everyone involved. With a city that proved itself a world-class host, and a Team Germany that made history.
Frankfurt 2026 – here we come!