The European Karate Championships will take place in Yerevan, Armenia, from May 7th to 11th. Anita Makyan, a bronze medalist at the 2023 European Games in -68kg, represents a medal opportunity for the host country.
By Florian Fournier / Photos: D.R
Anita Makyan, 25, began karate at the age of six in a family of karate athletes. Trained by her father, her two brothers also practice karate, and the eldest is in the national team.
Graduated in medical, Anita is currently retiring from her profession as a dentist to devote herself entirely to her karate career.
What do these European championships at home represent?
I’m honored to represent my country in the European championships and it’s very excited to fight here in Yerevan and to feel support from my family, friends, teammates. I’ll do my best to make them happy, make them proud of me and win a medal for my country.
What are your ambitions ?
This European championships are more interesting for me because I’m going to fight in +68kg. I’m also fighting in -68kg and my ranking is high in this category. I had a bronze medal at the European games in -68kg, But I’m ready for the +68 kg and I’ll do my best to get a medal.
What place does karate have in the Armenian sports ?
Karate has its unique place. Armenian people love karate. We have a lot of good karate athletes, a young generation who is doing its best, who will bring a lot of medals to our country in the future.
And also European championship is organized by our government, ministry of sport and the city, people are excited and they are waiting for this championships to come, to enjoy and cheer for our athletes.
Can these European championships help the development of karate in Armenia ?
They will help to develop karate in Armenia because the young generation has the opportunity to see the world’s best athletes. They will watch their fights, feel their energy and they will get inspired. So they will come back home and train harder to reach their level.
