18 elite athletes aged between 8 and 25 years from Malta Karate Federation took part in the Polish Karate Open International Grand Prix 2019 which was held in Bielsko Biala, Poland between the 11^th and 13^th October 2019. Athletes were accompanied by National Coaches Joseph Mizzi, Josef Antonelli, Tyler Tanti and Michelle Vella.

MKF athletes participated in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) with some outstanding performances by individual as well as team performances. As individual medalists we have Kimberly Stanton who placed third in Kata Female Seniors, Thyis Antonelli who placed first in Kumite -40Kg U14 and second in Kumite Female U12, Jessica Vella who placed second in Cadet Kumite Female -54Kg, Jake Vella who placed first in U8 Kata Male and second in 8 years Kata Male and Kaya Sultana Valentine who placed third in U10 Kata Female. As team medalists we have Matthew Zammit, Daniel Spearing and Matthew Vella who placed third in U18 Kata Team Male, Rhys Sultana Valentine, Nyle Spiteri and Sven Livori who placed third in U14 Team Kata Male whilst the U12 Kata Male Team was made up of Sven Livori, Nyle Spiteri and Kaymen Spiteri, and they also placed third.

“It is imperative to mention that the level witnessed in this years’ edition was one of the highest possible with over 2600 top worldwide athletes competing, therefore results achieved are indeed remarkable. The results obtained show consistency and the future augurs well for these promising athletes. Well done to athletes, coaches and technical board for this great result.” This was the comment by MKF President Mr Kenneth Abela.