The Greek national taekwondo team delivered a historic performance on the second day of the European Men’s and Women’s Championships, winning three bronze medals and emerging as one of the standout nations of the competition. Giannis Papadopoulos, Kostas Dimitropoulos, and Magdalini Klakala secured bronze medals in their respective divisions after impressive runs through the tournament.

Competing in the men’s under-58kg category, Dimitropoulos came within seconds of reaching the final before losing 2-1 to Italy’s Touiar in a dramatic semi-final decided in the final second of the contest. Earlier in the competition, he defeated France’s Ngainde 2-0 and Hungary’s Selin 2-1 on his way to the podium.

In the men’s under-80kg division, Papadopoulos produced a strong campaign throughout the tournament. He defeated Portugal’s Maritimo 2-0 in the round of 16 before overcoming Iceland’s Sigurgjionsson 2-1 in a tense quarter-final that secured him a medal and a place in the semi-finals. He later lost 2-0 to Ukraine’s Khournov in the final four.

In the women’s under-53kg category, Klakala continued her consistent record of international success. The Greek champion opened with a 2-0 victory over Finland’s Suusiluoto before defeating Germany’s Asimi by the same score in the quarter-finals to guarantee a podium finish. She then lost 2-0 to Turkey’s Kavurat in the semi-finals, earning the bronze medal.

Greece has now won four medals at the European Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo Championships, following the gold medal previously claimed by Stella Marentaki. The team’s performance at the championships has been a significant boost to Greek sports and has placed the country firmly on the map in the world of taekwondo.