#147: ITL THF Team – Q3 2026 Report: International Success, New Beginnings and Continued Progress
The third quarter of 2026 marked another significant chapter in the development of the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) team in Malta, managed by Iron Taekwondo League (ITL).
Building on the foundations established during the first six months of the year, the programme continued to deliver encouraging results across Kyorugi and Poomsae, while expanding opportunities for its athletes to gain competitive experience both locally and internationally.
The period also brought changes to the team's composition, continued investment in athlete development and rehabilitation, and preparations for two important international competitions in Albania and Germany, both of which subsequently took place in October.
Most importantly, the programme continued to fulfil its central objective: providing athletes with a structured sporting environment in which they can develop their abilities, build confidence and pursue opportunities that extend beyond the training hall.
Continued International Poomsae Success
July brought further international recognition for the programme following the 7th Online Range Open Poomsae Championships, held on 9 July.
THF athlete Anhelina Hladchenko delivered another excellent performance, securing a gold medal in her respective division and adding to an increasingly impressive collection of international Poomsae honours.
The competition also involved ITL's Poomsae coaching team, with coach Jovo Mirkovic overseeing the club's participation. Under his technical guidance, the wider ITL contingent secured four medals, while coach Romano Biondi narrowly missed out on the podium.
Anhelina's success continued a positive trend established earlier in the year, following her medal-winning appearances at the Kyonggi University and Toronto International online championships.
Her consistent performances reflect the programme's emphasis on developing well-rounded athletes capable of progressing in both technical and competitive disciplines.
Read the full report on the 7th Online Range Open Poomsae Championships.
Rising Stars 3 – Three Gold Medals and One Silver
The THF team continued its successful competitive campaign at the locally organised Rising Stars 3, where four athletes represented the programme in Kyorugi competition.
Fergeson Galea, Luca Falzon and Nazar Baranishyn each secured gold medals in their respective categories, while Anhelina Hladchenko added a silver medal to the team's tally.
With all four athletes reaching the podium, the competition represented another encouraging milestone in the team's continued development.
Beyond the medals, the event provided valuable opportunities for athletes to apply their technical and tactical training in competitive conditions, reinforcing the importance of regular match experience.
The competition also saw Sasha Slobodian contribute in a different capacity, volunteering as a corner judge. Her involvement demonstrated another important aspect of the programme: encouraging participants to understand and contribute to the sport beyond their own competitive ambitions.
Read the ITL/THF Mid-Year Update.
Team Developments – Welcoming Sasha Slobodian
The third quarter also brought changes to the composition of the THF team.
Following the departure of Kostiatyn (Kostia) Shkundia, the programme welcomed Sasha Slobodian as its newest member.
Sasha's inclusion represents another positive step in the continued development of the initiative, providing her with access to the training, coaching and competitive opportunities available through the ITL/THF partnership.
Her early involvement, including volunteering at Rising Stars 3, has already demonstrated a willingness to contribute to the team's wider activities.
While the departure of an athlete inevitably brings changes to the group, the programme remains committed to providing a stable and supportive environment for its members, with an emphasis on long-term athletic and personal development.
Athlete Rehabilitation and Physical Development
Alongside competitive achievements, the programme has continued to place considerable importance on physical preparation, injury management and the long-term wellbeing of its athletes.
Arsenii Baranishyn is currently recovering from an injury which has temporarily interrupted his regular taekwondo training and competitive activities.
His rehabilitation and strength-training programme is being overseen by coach Czarek Odlanicki Poczobutt of Iron Taekwondo League, with a focus on restoring physical capacity and preparing him for a safe return to regular training.
Arsenii is expected to resume training in the coming weeks, subject to his continued recovery.
His rehabilitation highlights the broader support structure available to THF athletes through ITL, where technical coaching is complemented by physical conditioning and individualised training programmes.
Throughout the quarter, the team continued its regular training schedule of four sessions per week, with additional strength and conditioning work supporting the physical development of its Kyorugi athletes.
Albania Open G1 – Fergeson Galea Impresses Internationally
The programme's international ambitions continued into the opening days of October, when Fergeson Galea represented Malta at the Albania Open G1, held in Tirana between 2 and 4 October.
Competing in a demanding international environment, Fergeson faced Albania's Gledis Buba in a closely contested encounter.
Despite eventually conceding the match by a narrow margin, Fergeson produced an impressive performance against the home athlete, demonstrating considerable improvement and an ability to challenge experienced international opposition.
Buba subsequently defeated a Brazilian opponent before exiting the competition in the quarter-finals against a European champion from Azerbaijan, providing further context to the level of opposition Fergeson faced.
Although the result did not yield a medal, the performance represented another important step forward in Fergeson's development.
Having previously secured gold at the Apex Championships in Manchester and bronze at the Asteriks Cup in Serbia, his appearance at the Albania Open G1 marked another valuable opportunity to test himself at a higher competitive level.
The competition was attended by a wider Maltese delegation, with ITL coaches Gianluca Barbara and Ditmir Vodinaj among those supporting the national contingent.
Read the full Albania Open report.
Munich Open – A Historic International Milestone
One of the most significant developments for the THF programme came on 17 October, when the team travelled to Germany to participate in the 10th Munich Open.
The competition marked an important milestone in the programme's international development, particularly for athletes Anhelina Hladchenko, Luca Falzon and Sasha Slobodian, who competed alongside their ITL coaches in an international setting.
The delegation was led by Gianluca Barbara, Romano Biondi and Jovo Mirkovic, who also participated competitively, while young ITL athlete Noah Barbara joined the team in the children's divisions.
The results were exceptional.
Luca Falzon secured gold medals in both Kyorugi and Individual Poomsae, alongside an additional trophy earned through his combined performances.
Sasha Slobodian, making her international competitive debut as the newest THF team member, claimed a sensational gold medal in Individual Poomsae after overcoming an older and more experienced opponent.
Anhelina Hladchenko delivered a determined performance in Kyorugi, narrowly losing the final against a heavier German opponent to secure silver. She subsequently added further honours through her participation in Individual Poomsae and Breaking.
The team's coaches also contributed significantly to the medal tally.
Gianluca Barbara secured Kyorugi gold and Individual Poomsae silver, while Jovo Mirkovic claimed gold medals in both disciplines. Romano Biondi overcame Korean Grandmaster Ryu Seong Seok in Kyorugi and also secured gold in Individual Poomsae.
In the Breaking competition, Gianluca successfully broke 14 boards, Romano 12 and Jovo 9, further contributing to the team's overall performance.
Meanwhile, six-year-old Noah Barbara demonstrated remarkable determination against a significantly heavier opponent in Kyorugi, before securing gold in Pair Poomsae and an additional individual trophy.
The combined performances of the seven athletes propelled the ITL-led delegation to an outstanding third place in the overall team rankings.
Beyond the medals and trophies, the Munich Open represented a particularly meaningful achievement for the humanitarian programme.
For athletes who have spent much of the year developing their skills through local and online competitions, the opportunity to travel abroad, compete against international opposition and experience the wider taekwondo community represented a substantial step forward.
The competition demonstrated the value of providing athletes with genuine opportunities to progress beyond their immediate training environment.
Read the full Munich Open report
Looking Ahead – Building on a Strong Foundation
The third quarter of 2026, together with the important international milestones achieved in early October, demonstrated the continued evolution of the ITL/THF programme.
From online Poomsae success and domestic Kyorugi victories to participation in G1-ranked competition and an outstanding showing in Munich, the team has made considerable progress since the beginning of the year.
Equally important have been the developments taking place away from competition: the introduction of new athletes, the continued provision of structured coaching, and the attention given to physical conditioning, rehabilitation and individual development.
The programme remains focused on providing opportunities that extend beyond sporting success alone. Through taekwondo, its athletes are encouraged to develop discipline, resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging within a supportive sporting community.
As the final quarter of 2026 progresses, attention will turn towards consolidating the gains made throughout the year, supporting athletes returning from injury and preparing the team for further competitive opportunities.
Iron Taekwondo League extends its appreciation to World Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation for their continued support of the programme and the opportunities made available to its athletes.
With a growing record of competitive achievements and a committed coaching structure, the ITL/THF team looks forward to building on its progress and continuing its mission of empowering athletes through sport.
