The event will be held in the László Papp Budapest Sports Arena.Continue reading
Gábor Hárspataki won the silver medal in the 75 kg kumite fight at the 26th World Karate Championships at the Papp László Budapest Sport Arena.
The Olympic bronze medalist clashed with Egypt’s Abdalla Abdelaziz in Saturday’s final and took the lead with a solid blow to the head, but his opponent reversed with the help of the video referee, scoring two points for a body kick.
During the last moments, it looked like Hárspataki had decided the fate of the world title with a three-point move, but video analysis showed that his attack was too late and the result was 2-3, a defeat.
After the match, the Hungarians lodged a protest, as the Egyptian competitor fell while trying to escape, for which he could have earned another warning in addition to the four he had previously received. The investigation revealed that his fall was also out of time, so Abdelaziz was not ultimately sent off for collecting the fifth warning and the final result was unchanged.
The results were announced and the medals were presented by Ádám Schmidt, State Secretary for Sport and Tamás Deutsch, President of MTK Budapest. Photo via Facebook/Dr. Schmidt Ádám
“I am very proud to have a silver medal around my neck and even prouder to have won it at home. Not to mention the fact that with the help of the sports ministry, the federation, my department, my coaches and everyone, we were able to organize such a beautiful World Championship. (…) I am one hundred percent proud, but I wanted a medal of a different color, and that should be hanging around my neck,” the Olympic bronze medalist, Gábor Hárspataki, said after the match, adding that he thought that the scales tipped more easily towards his Egyptian rival in dubious situations.
The Hungarian audience also celebrated a gold medal, as Olívia Kákosy defended her world title in para karate, thus securing the second medal for the Hungarian team.
Photo via Facebook/World Karate Championships 2023 – Budapest
“It’s wonderful to stand here and represent the Hungarian colors and I am very happy to have won for the second time, especially that it happened at home, in Budapest. I am really happy that we are hosting the World Championships, because it gave me further motivation,” Olivia Kákosy noted, adding that it meant a lot to her that her family and friends were in the stands with her coach.
Via MTI, Featured image via Facebook/Dr. Schmidt Ádám