Two Bronze Medals for Bulgaria at the European Selection Tournament for the World Fullcontact Karate Championship
On 23–24 November 2024, Antwerp, Belgium hosted the 2nd European Fullcontact Karate Cup — the official European selection tournament for the 1st World Fullcontact Karate Championship, to be held in May 2025 at the Tokyo Ariake Arena in Tokyo.
Organised by the European Fullcontact Karate Organization (EFKO) under the guidance of the World Fullcontact Karate Organization (WFKO), the tournament brought together more than 220 fighters from 23 countries at the Arenahal. The competition was open to all fullcontact karate styles and organisations, with bouts held under WFKO rules in ten categories — five for women and five for men. Entry was restricted to fighters aged 18 and over holding a minimum grade of 4th kyu and with international competition experience.
Among the honoured guests were WFKO President Shihan Midori Kenji, WFKO Secretary Shihan Yasukazu Koi, three-time world champion Shihan Tsukamoto Norichika, as well as leaders of the major European organisations — KWF, IFK, KWU, Ashihara and EKO.
Bulgaria’s Participation
Bulgaria was represented by six fighters and won two bronze medals in the heaviest men’s categories:
- Kaloyan Tashev — 3rd place, Men -90 kg
- Veselin Fartsov — 3rd place, Men +90 kg
Under the tournament regulations, the top two in each category qualify directly for the World Championship in Tokyo, while bronze medallists are designated as reserve fighters, eligible to compete should a place in the European quota become available.
