#27: Malta’s National Sports School Team Will Train in Albania

Three taekwondo players attending the National Sports School (Pembroke) will head to Albania for a training camp run by world-renowned coaches.

The first Tirana Challenge Taekwondo Camp

The camp - Tirana Challenge Taekwondo Camp 2 - is the second of its kind. The first took place last year with no shortage of success after several athletes near and far attended. Organizers of the camp hosted fighting rounds, drill training, and other important activities.

Cagri Kizil (TUR)

This time, the camp will be spearheaded by Turkish coach Cagri Kizil, Julian Caca, and Xhersi Kurti (former Albanian national coaches). Superathlete Kasra Mehdipournejad, who medalled in several international tournaments, will also feature in the camp.

Cagri had no shortage of success. His most recent triumph came at the 2023 Grand Slam. A competition that saw his athlete (Elif Akgul) walk away with a gold medal. His team also won the 2022 Turkish Clubs Championship and the European Clubs Championship, twice.

Cagri’s Grand Slam-winning athlete, Elif Akgul, will also present as a very special training partner during the camp.

Malta’s national sports school will field all three taekwondo athletes: Nathan Degiorgio (DAM), Jean Schembri (ITL), and Robin Zammit (ITL), together with NSS Coach Gianluca Barbara (ITL) and Jonathan Sammut, a representative of the school.

This endeavor marks another first for the Malta Taekwondo Association as well as the NSS itself.