The Republic of Moldova won 18 medals at the WAKO Cadet and Junior World Kickboxing Championship that took place between August 23 and September 1 in Budapest. The athletes from the national team of the National Oriental Kickboxing Federation (FNOK) won five gold, four silver and nine bronze medals and thus the country ranked 18th in the world.

“At the Junior and Cadet World Kickboxing Championship, our country was represented by over 30 contenders, including 28 athletes from different clubs of the country. The result achieved at this championship is very positive and even of a very high level. I think the 18th place among 68 countries is very good... The result is formidable because the competition at this championship increases significantly every year given the increasing number of participating athletes,” FNOK president Tudor Gorea stated in a news conference hosted by IPN.

Coach Radu Pahom, of Theoretical Sports High School No. 2, said that this championship is a grandiose one and had been awaited by the athletes for two years. “Together with the team, we covered a very difficult path with obstacles, hardships and difficult moments. In the end, our work and sacrifice were worth the effort. As you can see, our athletes came with top medals from the World Championship,” noted Radu Pahom.

“I contended in the -63 kg “older cadets” category, in the Kick Light and Light Contact events. I managed to rank first in both events. I had eight hard fights with opponents from a number of countries,” said athlete Ioan Casco, of Sports Theoretical High School No. 2.

Ion Cotur, of the Fălești Sports School, returned from the championship with the silver medal. “I've been practicing this sport for six years now. The competitions were very interesting,”noted the athlete.

“We trained very intensively for this championship and I’m very happy for the achieved results because the fight was rather harsh,” stated Nikita Bogomolov, of “Legion” sports club, who won the bronze medal.

“I competed in the -63 kg category and secured the second place because I made a lot of effort, including with the help of my coach Sergei Sedoi,” said Daniel Stoian, of the Fălești Sports School.

Note: IPN Agency offers the right of reply to persons who consider that they were touched by the news articles produced based on the statements of the organizers of this press conference, including by facilitating the organization of another press conference under similar conditions.