#106: Malta Taekwondo Association Holds Successful 2025 Annual General Meeting
The Malta Taekwondo Association (MTA) convened its Annual General Meeting for 2025 in a spirit of progress, and celebration. The evening reflected not only the strong administrative and financial standing of the Association, but also the exceptional performances of its athletes, coaches, and clubs over the past year.
Executive Council Welcomes New Member
A key highlight of the AGM was the welcoming of Serafima Mifsud Calleja to the Executive Council. A practicing Masters athlete, Serafima will now be leading matters related to events within the Association.
Her active involvement as a competitor brings valuable athlete-centered insight to the organisational structure of the MTA.
Celebrating Athletic Success
Outstanding achievements in 2025 were formally recognised with Gianluca Barbara being awarded Best Male Athlete of 2025. That year, he received the following honours:
Open de Liege, Belgium - 1st place
International Becketal Cup, Germany - 1st Place
International Wales Open, Germany - 1st Place
Whiston Open, Liverpool, UK - 1st Place
Spirit of Harmony Poomsae Open, Malta - 1st Place
Royal Cup, Italy - 1st Place
Gianluca later claimed the first gold of year 2026 in a French National Championship, under representation of Taekwondo Club Villeneuvois - Lovent.
Conversely, Alycia Cassar received the honour of Best Female Athlete of 2025. That year, she received the following honours:
E3 Qualifer for ETU Grand Prix 1 - 9th Place
European Club Championships G1 - 9th Place
Zapresic Noble Tournament E2 - 9th place
2nd Qualifer for ETU Grand Prix E3 - 5th Place
European Youth Olympic Festival E6 - 17th Place
Multi European Games Taekwondo G1 - 5th Place
ETU Grand Prix 2025 Series 2 E8 - 9th Place
Small States Countries Championships G1 - 1st Place
Riga Open G1 - 2nd Place
Zagreb Open G1 - 5th place
European Junior Championships - 9th Place
Malta Rising Stars II - 1st Place
In April, Alycia (current ranking: 7th) will travel to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to compete in the Junior World Championships.
Both athletes represent the Iron Taekwondo League (ITL), further cementing the club’s presence on the national scene this year. In fact, in recognition of its consistent excellence, competitive success, and contribution to the sport, ITL was officially named Best Club of 2025.
Recognition for Emerging and Established Clubs
Special acknowledgment was also given to Mauro Busuttil and his 2025-established academy, Strive Taekwondo. Despite being newly founded, Strive Taekwondo has already made significant strides on both the training camp and competition fronts.
The academy has also demonstrated commendable collaboration with other local clubs and the Association, embodying the collective spirit the MTA aims to foster.
It had organised one of last year’s most valuable training camps (inaugurating its opening) and a poomsae competition later that year.
Dan Promotions Awarded
The AGM also served as a proud moment for several members who received Dan certifications in recognition of their technical development and dedication to the sport:
Gianluca Barbara – 5th Dan
Jean Schembri – 2nd Dan
Alycia Cassar – 1st Dan
Kendra Magro – 2nd Dan
Dana Desira – 2nd Dan
Cezary Poczobutt Odlanicki – 3rd Dan
These promotions reflect years of discipline, perseverance, and technical mastery.
Honouring Coaches and Leadership
Further honours were presented to distinguished coaches and officials for their invaluable contributions:
Ditmir Vodinaj (ITL – Kyorugi)
Jovo Mirkovic (ITL – Poomsae)
Romano Biondi (ITL – Poomsae)
Mauro Busuttil (Strive Taekwondo)
Recognition was also given to Anna Vassallo, President of the Malta Taekwondo Association, on her re-election to Vice-President of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU) and World Taekwondo council — a testament to the trust and confidence placed in her leadership.
Governance and Financial Overview
All resolutions put forward prior to the AGM were passed with unanimous approval by the attending quorum. Among these was the adjustment of membership rates to reflect the growing demands and operational scope of the Association:
Club Membership: €100 per annum
Individual Membership: €50 per annum
From a financial perspective, the Association reported a strong and positive fiscal year, especially when compared to the previous year.
This steady growth reflects prudent financial management and expanding activity within Maltese Taekwondo.
National Athlete Contracts
Athlete contracts were also awarded to national team members representing Malta in international competitions. These contracts are valid for six months, ensuring continued opportunity for emerging athletes who demonstrate strong performance and commitment to earn their place on the national stage.
President’s Concluding Message
In her closing remarks, President Anna Vassallo addressed members with gratitude and optimism:
“I am truly proud of the community we have built together — a community that stands for respect, unity and mutual support. Seeing everyone come together with such positivity and shared purpose is a reminder of how strong we are when we work as one.”
She reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to safeguarding its integrity, values, and principles, while acting in the best interest of its members and the future of Malta Taekwondo.
She extended heartfelt thanks to the Executive Committee, coaches, and technical team for their dedication and friendship, and acknowledged the presence of distinguished guests including:
Mr Kevin Azzopardi, CEO of AIMS
Ms Johanna Grech from the Maltese Olympic Committee
Mr Szucs, moderator
Mr Beck
The AGM concluded with a clear message: Malta Taekwondo continues to move forward — united, ambitious, and grounded in respect and integrity.
