#117: Malta Taekwondo Association Strengthens International Collaboration During Official Visit to Türkiye
The Malta Taekwondo Association recently concluded a highly productive official visit to Ankara, Türkiye, where representatives participated in the opening meeting of the Erasmus+ project "Dual Kick: Beyond Limits in Sport & Career."
The initiative, coordinated by the Turkish Taekwondo Federation in collaboration with the Italian Taekwondo Federation and the Malta Taekwondo Association, marks the beginning of an exciting international partnership aimed at supporting athletes in balancing sporting excellence with personal and professional development.
From left to right: Anna Vassallo (Malta), Bahri Tanrikulu (Türkiye) & Karim Salvatore (Italy).
The official kick-off meeting brought together leading representatives from the three national federations to establish the foundations of the project. Discussions focused on the project's objectives, expected outcomes, organisational responsibilities, management strategies, implementation timelines, and financial planning. The meeting represented an important milestone in ensuring that all partners share a common vision for the successful delivery of the programme over the coming years.
Representing the three partner organisations were:
Bahri Tanrıkulu – President, Turkish Taekwondo Federation
Anna Vassallo – President, Malta Taekwondo Association
Karim Salvatori – Project Manager, Italian Taekwondo Federation
Elisabetta Aversano – Project Manager, Italian Taekwondo Federation
Michelle Chircop – Manager, Malta Taekwondo Association
Gianluca Barbara – Coach, Malta Taekwondo National Team
Tina Michelle Tanrıkulu – Education Committee Member, World Taekwondo
Nedim Yeşil – Chairman of the R&D and Project Development Board, Turkish Taekwondo Federation
Prof. Dr. Sevde Mavi Var – Training Board Member, Turkish Taekwondo Federation
Doruk Ekin Fırat – Foreign Relations and Project Manager, Turkish Taekwondo Federation
Beyond the formal meetings, the delegation was given the opportunity to experience an important part of Türkiye's national heritage through a visit to Anıtkabir, the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The visit provided a meaningful cultural dimension to the programme and highlighted the strong spirit of friendship between the participating nations.
The delegation also visited the Nur Tatar Sports Hall, where the Turkish Para Taekwondo National Team was conducting its training camp. Representatives met with the athletes and coaching staff, exchanging experiences and wishing the team continued success in forthcoming international competitions.
Witnessing the professionalism and dedication of one of the world's leading para taekwondo programmes proved to be an inspiring experience for all involved.
During the visit, Malta National Team Coach Gianluca Barbara also took advantage of the opportunity to further strengthen sporting ties with the Turkish Taekwondo Federation by training alongside Turkish National Coach Ali İhsan Negiz.
From left to right: Gianluca Barbara (Malta National Coach) & Ali Ihsan Negiz (Türkiye National Coach)
During his time there, Gianluca participated in a series of technical training sessions at Coach Negiz's club, exchanging coaching methodologies, technical insights, and best practices. The experience provided valuable professional development while reinforcing the close relationship between the Maltese and Turkish taekwondo communities.
In addition to the scheduled programme, several informal meetings and discussions were held throughout the visit with federation officials, coaches, and project representatives. These conversations opened further opportunities for future collaboration in coach education, athlete development, and international exchange initiatives, demonstrating the growing relationship between the Malta Taekwondo Association and its international partners.
The Malta Taekwondo Association would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Turkish Taekwondo Federation for its outstanding hospitality throughout the visit. From the professionalism of the official meetings to the warmth shown by every member of the host federation, the delegation was made to feel exceptionally welcome.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Bahri Tanrıkulu, the federation's executive team, project coordinators, coaches, and everyone involved in organising such a memorable and productive visit. We look forward to continuing this excellent partnership through the Dual Kick project and to many more opportunities to work together in advancing the sport of taekwondo both within Europe and beyond.
