Sporting’s Clube de Portugal’s cadet and junior karate teams were in fine form over three long days of intense competition in Hungary over the weekend, as part of the European Karate Championships.

With the first day of competition reserved for the kata and kumite categories for competitors aged from 6 to 8 years old, Sérgio Paiva was on centre stage defending the Alvalade colours. The Sporting youngster put on a fine showing to secure the gold medal, eliminating an Italian fighter 4-0, a Serbian competitor 4-0, a Romanian 3-0 and finally an English athlete 4-3.

On day two, the individuals competition got into full swing and the seniors were also in action. Sporting’s team was again the surprise of the event, with cadet Rodrigo Borrega securing a place in the <65 kg="" category="" final="" and="" diogo="" fernandes="" winning="" a="" spot="" in="" the="" senior="">

On the final day of action, both Rodrigo Borrega and Diogo Fernandes were in fine form, both claiming silver medals. However, Sporting’s karate stars left their biggest surprise to the end of the competition, putting in a brilliant showing in the all-important team rotation event that saw the Lions come out on top against Polish, Russian and English opposition.

Curiously, Sporting was the smallest contingent present but managed to claim several podium finishes.