Maria Peintner was crowned Italian champion. © Karate Mühlbach

Karate Mühlbach celebrates its Italian champion

Karate Mühlbach achieved three podium finishes at the Italian Championships in Cervia on Sunday. Maria Peintner was crowned Italian Champion.

March 16, 2026

From: pm

Fourteen-year-old Maria Peintner provided the sporting highlight: In the novice category up to 47 kilograms, she showed strong performances from the start, surpassed herself, and managed to withstand the pressure at her first Italian Championship. "This success is absolutely deserved and the result of targeted and intensive preparation over several months," summarized coach Fabian Pezzei, who coached the athlete at this tournament.

The bronze medal went to 13-year-old Anna Gallmetzer (trainee, -47kg); she also participated for the first time in an Italian championship, in which only brown and black belts are allowed to participate, and was able to impressively demonstrate her talent.

Fish bucklers unlucky – youngsters show potential

Things didn't go according to plan for Florian Fischnaller (Seniors, -80kg), who narrowly lost the bronze medal match. Despite strong performances, Lorenz Mantinger (Seniors, -68kg) was eliminated in the preliminary round. Laura Peintner (Seniors, -63kg), competing in this age group for the first time, was unable to place among the top finishers this time.

Karate Mühlbach celebrated several top placements in Cervia. © Karate Mühlbach

In addition to the kumite competitions, the young talents also impressed in kata (form competition). Maria Peintner underlined her strong form and secured the bronze medal with another impressive performance. Anna Gallmetzer narrowly missed the podium, finishing in fifth place.

The successes in Cervia impressively demonstrate the potential of Karate Mühlbach's young athletes. Their hard work and determination have once again paid off – and give reason for optimism about the future.