#31: Malta’s National Sports School Athletes Train In Albania

Taekwondo players of the National Sports School (Pembroke) attended an Albanian training camp run by world-renowned coaches.

The camp - Tirana Challenge Taekwondo Camp 2 - was the second of its kind. It welcomed over 250 athletes from Albania, Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo, Iran, Turkey, and of course, Malta.

In the event, Jean Schembri (ITL), Robin Zammit (ITL), Nathan Degiorgio (DAM), and their coach, Gianluca Barbara (ITL) were given a golden opportunity to train with coach Cagri Kizil (TUR). They were joined by Jonathan Sammut, a representative of the school.

Kizil’s 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, was also present as a very special training partner during the camp.

National athletes attended the camp and engaged in several fighting rounds with the Maltese team. The team registered a standout performance in every session.

The boys also trained under renowned Albanian coaches, Julian Caca and Xhersi Kurti, who translated their technical expertise into effective drills throughout the weekend. You can see snippets of their rounds by clicking here or here.

Superathlete Kasra Mehdipournejad, an Olympic hopeful who medaled in several international tournaments, was also present. He trained in the same division as NSS coach Gianluca Barbara and Nathan Degiorgio.

The MTA would like to extend a huge thanks to the organizers for this massive event. An unforgettable experience for all. Thank you Julian Caca, Ina Kerciku, Xhersi Kurti, and their esteemed guests Cagri, Elif, and Kasra for sharing your expertise.

The association also extends its thanks to Robert Magro Kelly Ann Mintoff and Jonathan Sammut, who made this event possible. Sammut attended the camp in his capacity as a representative of the school.