Continental Championships

Hana Antunovic: We are all really excited about the next European Championships in Sweden

2020-05-28

Hana Antunovic: We are all really excited about the next European Championships in Sweden

In about one year, the best Karate athletes in Europe will be fighting for the continental crown – and for the Olympic berth – in the anticipated 2021 European Championships to be held in Gothenburg (Sweden). Swedish karatekas are thrilled about hosting the next edition of the biggest continental event in Europe. “We haven’t had a championship (like this) in 40 years, so we are very excited. I am looking forward to competing in my home ground,” said Sweden’s Hana Antunovic. 

In about one year, the best Karate athletes in Europe will be fighting for the continental crown – and for the Olympic berth – in the anticipated 2021 European Championships to be held in Gothenburg (Sweden). Swedish karatekas are thrilled about hosting the next edition of the biggest continental event in Europe. “We haven’t had a championship like this in 40 years, so we are very excited. I am looking forward to competing in my home ground,” said Sweden’s Hana Antunovic.

World Championships bronze medallist Hana Antunovic is one of the local hopefuls aiming to take the Swedish flag to the top of the podium in exactly one year. As the event passes the 365-day mark, the 28-year-old karateka is inviting the Karate world to witness an event that is set to be memorable.



“It is really a big thing for us here in Sweden. I am looking forward to competing at my home ground, it is going to be very fun. I am training hard!” said Antunovic.

The Swedish athlete claimed the biggest success for the northern European country in years when she took the bronze medal at the 2018 World Championships. In the last edition of Karate’s main event, Antunovic reached the third spot of the final podium in Female Kumite +68kg after defeating Anne Laure Florentin of France 2-0 in the last round of repechages. Now, Antunovic has her eyes set on prevailing in front of family and friends next year.

“It is hard to train like we used to,” said Antunovic about the effects of the coronavirus outbreak. “With most events cancelled right now, I try to be in the best shape that I can and prepare for the next Europeans. I try to find new reasons for training.”

What is the difference between the current pandemic in Sweden and in other parts of the world? Nature.



“Luckily, we have a beautiful nature here in Sweden, so I can spend a lot of time outdoors. You really have to be positive in these times and be as creative as you can,” explains the 1st-Dan Black belt in Shotokan.

For athletes and fans planning to attend the event next year in Gothenburg, Antunovic has a recommendation: Learn the meaning of “Fika”. Watch the video below to see Hana Antonuvic explaining why this tradition is so important for Swedes.

Gothenburg will be hosting the 56th edition of the European Senior Championships from May 12 to 16, 2021. As Hana Antunovic says: “Save the date!”