The 2024 European Championships concluded with an exciting and action-packed final day, where senior elite athletes showcased their incredible skills and determination. The theme of development was evident throughout the tournament, as European nations emerged on the medal table in the U23 and youth divisions over the past two days. However, the spotlight shifted to the senior elite finals, where superstars from leading countries shone brightly, and underdogs seized their moment in the limelight.
Ukraine demonstrated its strength by clinching an impressive six out of seven gold medals, nearly achieving a clean sweep. Meanwhile, Muaythai powerhouse Turkey also stood tall, securing five gold medals. The senior elite finals featured captivating matches that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Female Superstar of the Day: Adriana Plachta
Poland’s Adriana Plachta stole the show in the Senior Female Elite 60kg division. In the semi-finals, Plachta faced Turkey’s Kubra Kocakus, a multiple IFMA and European Muaythai Championship gold medalist, World Combat Games gold medalist, and European Games silver medalist. The match was a nail-biter, with Plachta emerging victorious in a split decision. In the gold medal match, Plachta utilized her length and range effectively to dominate Finland’s Eveliina Rauhansalo, winning each round and claiming the gold.
Male Superstar of the Day: Gianluca Franzosi
Italy’s Gianluca Franzosi delivered a standout performance in the senior finals. Facing Israel’s Maxim Branis, who had previously defeated the seasoned Muaythai superstar Norbert Speth from Hungary in the semi-finals, Franzosi showcased his determination and skill. In the semi-finals, Franzosi overcame Ukraine’s Oleksandr Yefimenko, a European Games and FISU gold medalist, in a tough match. In the final against Branis, Franzosi struggled to control his tricky and technical opponent in the first two rounds. However, in the last round, he unleashed a powerful offensive, catching Branis with his hands for an 8-count and finishing strong to secure the victory.
Results of the Elite Senior Finals:
- Anastasiia Mykhailenko (UKR) defeats Zeynep Nur Eski (TUR)
- Martyna Kierczynska (POL) defeats Anna Szekely (HUN)
- Gulistan Turan (TUR) defeats Roksana Dargiel (POL)
- Nikita Kuts (UKR) defeats Seyit Ali Arici (TUR)
- Dmytro Shelesko (UKR) defeats Narek Khachikyan (ARM)
- Bohdan Studniev (UKR) defeats Axel Giraud (FRA)
- Halime Eke (TUR) defeats Lucie Nieaguova (CZE)
- Sercan Koc (TUR) defeats Valerii Denysov (UKR)
- Ommi Mingsupphan (FIN) defeats Tereze Stechova (CZE)
- Helena Jurisic (CRO) defeats Busra Beyazbai (TUR)
- Franco Franzosi (ITA) defeats Mahdi Hosseini (EMR)
- Gianluca Franzosi (ITA) defeats Maxim Branis (ISR)
- Adriana Plachta (POL) defeats Eveliina Rauhansalo (FIN)
- Ana Bajic (CRO) defeats Pasic Berina (BIH)
- Goncalo Noites (POR) defeats Mehmet Ali Meric (TUR)
- Iveta Srncova (SVK) defeats Emma Nurmi (FIN)
- Yehor Skurikhin (UKR) defeats Nocholas Vasta (ITA)
- Ivan Bertic (CRO) defeats Osman Karakaya (TUR)
- Umut Eryilmaz (TUR) defeats Jan Pelak (POL)
The 2024 European Championships’ Senior Finals were a celebration of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The 2024 European Championships’ Senior Finals were a celebration of talent, perseverance, and sportsmanship. The thrilling matches and outstanding performances of athletes like Adriana Plachta and Gianluca Franzosi made this event truly unforgettable. Congratulations to the Kosovo Muaythai Federation on a successful event, leaving local heroes and Muaythai champions in the region to spark further development for Muaythai in the region. As the tournament concluded, fans left with unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the sport of Muaythai.
Photo Credit: Blendi Kallaba
