Greek Boxing “stamps” Europe again

The 1st Vassilis Topalos International Tournament, which took place at the Panhellenic Stadium, was held with great success. The event took place from 12/9 to 17/9 with the Greek team doing well, winning a total of fourteen medals (seven gold, four silver and three bronze).

The Greek champions were impressive in their categories and proved that the present and future of Greek Boxing is in very good hands. The highest step of the podium was climbed by Stelios Kyrsanidis at 63.5 kg, Nikolas Kattis at 75 kg, Michalis Tsamalidis at 80 kg. and Nanijanian Vagan at 92+k.

In the Youth category, Giorgos Pleas at 57 kg and Panagiotis Kostouros at 67 kg made us proud, winning the gold medal while second place at 67 kg. was taken by Stefanos Oikonomou.

Among the men, silver medals were won by Dionysis Psychogios at 86k. and Petros Zisis at 92+k. Polychronis Manousaridis climbed to the third place of the podium at 67km, Yannis Vafiadis and Konstantinos Petropoulos at 75km.

As for the women, Paraskevi Mavrommati won a silver medal at 66 kg, while the young Panagiota Kouzilou wore the gold medal on her chest in the 60 kg category with an amazing performance in the final.

The international tournament also had a charitable character, as on Sunday 17/9 many famous artists attended the Panhellenic Stadium in order to practically support little Yiannis Korologos, who was affected by a rare form of cancer and is undergoing expensive treatments in America. The program was presented and edited by journalist and project manager Georgia Bitakou and singer and amateur boxer Petros Imbrios. The evening’s entertainment was provided by Maria Ioannidou, Thanos Lambrou and Katerina Smaragda, while the “Trebizond” Pontian Tribe Association danced with particular dynamism in the ring. Sensation and admiration was caused by the presence of Dim Angelo and Nikko Sunset, who enchanted the spectators in their own unique way, writing the epilogue of the event in the best way.

At the same time, the great participation in the initiative of the Hellenic Boxing Federation to collect essential items for our fellow citizens affected by the floods in Thessaly caused a sensation. The EOP with this act became an occasion once again to show the offer and the unity that exists within it by sending a lesson of humanity.

Helper at the international tournament was THERAPEFTIRIO ATHINON, which participated as a Health Supporter, providing comprehensive Medical and Nursing Coverage as well as transportation and providing first aid in case of need.

The International Topalos Cup came to become an institution in the coming years and this is non-negotiable, said the president of the Hellenic Boxing Federation, Haris Mariolis.

Specifically, during his speech at the Closing Ceremony, the strong man of the EOP said characteristically: “The huge success of the “VASILIS TOPALOS” International Boxing Cup laid a solid foundation for it to develop into an important annual institution, so that the World Boxing family to honor the memory of our beloved Basil. Vassilis, our little “Proud Hero” who stood out for his rare talent and unparalleled morals, will forever be in our hearts. For us, this great event is also a promise that we will continue to keep his memory alive with actions and we will continue to act in his spirit. A promise to the whole sports family, but especially a promise to his family, that in every action, bowing with respect to his memory, our soul and heart, our mind and thought will be directed towards him. He will accompany us everywhere and always. We will have him in our hearts forever.”

In his speech, Mr. Mariolis pointed out the excellent progress of Greek Boxing: “We have returned strongly to the World Sports scene. We managed for Greek boxing to acquire the leading and primary role it deserves in the arenas but also in Greek society.

I would also like to focus on the improvement of the relations of the federation, both with the state bodies, and also with the society in general. United, therefore, the family of World, European and Greek Boxing, moves forward with leaps and bounds with the ultimate goal of further development, promotion and promotion of the sport”.

Referring to the Hellenic Federation, he said: “I only feel gratitude and respect for the big family of our Federation. After all, success in sports is not based on numbers, but on people. We are united and will continue to be “all together one fist” to make boxing even bigger, to give emotion and pride to all Greeks and the Boxing family”.

The president of the EOP was particularly moved, after thanking all the Institutions that contributed to the International Tournament, as well as his partners, he addressed the participants saying: “I want to thank all the athletes, coaches and all the officials and companions of the foreign missions of the World of Boxing who attended and honored us with their presence. I am especially glad that they were with us and participated in this five-day competition program, proving in the most extraordinary way that “SPORTS really UNITE”.

In closing, Mr. Mariolis referred to the National Boxing Team and its goal of qualifying for the Olympic Games: “Our eyes are now on the next Olympic year. The big goal is to qualify for the most important sporting event in the world, the Olympic Games in Paris. Our athletes are role models. They proved it to us and are proving it with their excellent performances in the major events. I wish that in 2023, which is a pre-Olympic year, they will continue with the same zeal towards achieving their goals. We promise that we will support them and that we will be by their side.

We continue exactly as we started: with a few words and a lot of work”.