#108: Strong Performances And Valuable Experiences For ITL, And Malta - In Albania
Following his participation at the European Grand Prix Series in Serbia, Coach Ditmir Vodinaj (ITL) led a new Maltese contingent to the Albania Open G1, held in Tirana on the 4th and 5th of October.
Representing Malta at this prestigious World Taekwondo-ranked event were:
Czarek Odlanicki Poczobutt (-87 kg), ITL
Robin Zammit (-49 kg), ITL
Nathan DeGiorgio (-55 kg), Strive
Samuel Vella (-55 kg), Strive
The event attracted high-level competitors from across Europe and beyond, providing a valuable test for Malta’s athletes as they continue to develop on the international stage.
Samuel Vella – Promising Progress
Samuel Vella impressed with a confident start, securing a first-round victory against Greece. His composure and strong counter-attacks were key in advancing past his opening bout.
In the following round, he once again met an opponent from Greece, where he was narrowly defeated after a competitive match. Samuel’s performance reflected his continued progress and growing maturity as a young competitor at G1 level.
Robin Zammit – A Competitive Run to the Quarter-Finals
Robin Zammit, competing in the -49 kg division, began his campaign against Ernesto Sollo (Italy), where he delivered a controlled and effective performance to move forward with a dominant win.
In the Quarter-Final, he faced Angelos Vasilios Kavakis (Greece) — a strong and experienced fighter. Despite a determined effort, Robin’s run ended there, but his progression to the final eight marked another solid showing for the Maltese contingent.
Nathan DeGiorgio – Fighting Spirit
Nathan DeGiorgio faced a tough Greek opponent in the opening round. Although he did not progress, he demonstrated excellent fighting spirit and tactical awareness throughout, making his mark in a competitive weight category.
His willingness to engage and adapt under pressure continues to show promise for future events.
Czarek Odlanicki Poczobutt – Holding His Own Against World-Class Opposition
In the -87 kg division, Czarek Odlanicki Poczobutt took on a formidable challenge in the form of Uzbekistan’s Shukhrat Salaev, the national number one and one of the top-ranked athletes in the division.
Despite the loss in the Quarter-Finals, Czarek produced a strong and composed performance, matching intensity and technique against elite opposition — a testament to his growing presence on the international stage.
Training Camp in Albania
Following the competition, the Maltese team travelled to Shkodër to continue their training at the Vllaznia Taekwondo Club. The camp provides the athletes with an ideal opportunity to build on their competition experience, refine techniques, and further develop their physical and tactical skills under Coach Vodinaj’s guidance.
Building for the Future
Coach Ditmir Vodinaj expressed satisfaction with the team’s effort and mindset.
The participation at the Albania Open G1 marks another important milestone in Malta’s ongoing international Taekwondo journey, as the national team continues to strengthen its presence and reputation across Europe.
