#47: ITL Hits Belgian G2; The Biggest Competition In Europe

With over 2,000 total registrations, the Belgian G2 has easily made itself the biggest competition (ranked) in Europe.

Held in Lommel on the weekend of the 16 - 17th March 2024, the ITL fielded five of its athletes, together led by coach Gianluca Barbara.

With the likes of Simone Alessio (ITA), Vito Dell’ Aquila (ITA), Farzad Mansouri (RDA) and Jade Jones (UK) gracing the battleground, one could safely say the competition welcomed the most elite fighters in Europe and beyond.

Representing the ITL were athletes Robin Zammit (cadet -41kg), Jean Zammit (cadet -41kg), Fergeson Galea (junior -55kg), Michela Scerri (junior -42kg) and Alycia Cassar (junior -55kg).

Regrettably, no medals came our way on this occasion, following four narrow eliminations in the first round.

Only Alycia Cassar progressed through her respective first round, before being eliminated in the second round by her Spanish opponent.

In just over a year, this band of athletes, including two first-timers (Fergeson & Jean), and one who pulled out due to injury (Jean) have more than narrowed the gap with the giants.

They did this, despite the lack of resources, funds, and local competition.

These ITL athletes deserve nothing but praise because their growth has been nothing short of spectacular. And all credit to them, because of the sacrifices they made, along with the blood, sweat and tears shed on the mat.

Granted, some things didn’t completely go our way on the day, mistakes aplenty but that’s part of the process.

The team now prepares for their next international commitment: the G2 Small Nations tournament, which will be held in Estonia in the last week of April.

Acknowledgments

The ITL would like to extend its thanks to SPORTMALTA for making our attendance in this tournament possible through financial support.