Naples, Italy – Almerico Tommasino, just 17 years old, has surged to the forefront of Italian karate, securing the national absolute title and setting his sights on representing Italy at the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. The young athlete’s recent victory has catapulted him into contention for international competition, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.
Tommasino, representing the Champion Center of Scampia, Naples, triumphed in the 67 kg male category, defeating Rosario Ruggiero of the Fiamme Oro team. The match concluded with a 4-4 tie, with Tommasino awarded the win via Senshu – a rule awarding victory to the first athlete to score a valid point. Luca Maresca (Fiamme Oro) and Raffaele Astarita (Champion Center) rounded out the podium with third-place finishes.
This victory is particularly noteworthy as Tommasino is the first junior athlete to ever win the absolute title in the competition’s history. The win immediately opens doors for participation in the upcoming junior world championships, and potentially, the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. The 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics will feature karate as a demonstration sport, part of a broader initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to adapt its youth program to local contexts. Karate is one of ten non-competitive “engagement” sports for the games, promoted through interactive activities and digital platforms, alongside kayak, golf, hockey, pentathlon moderno, tiro a segno, arrampicata sportiva, surf, tennis, and sollevamento pesi. The full list of 25 competitive sports includes athletics, swimming, archery, badminton, baseball5, basketball 3×3, boxing, breaking, cycling, equestrian, fencing, football, gymnastics, handball, judo, canoeing, wrestling, rugby, sailing, skateboarding, table tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, and volleyball.
Tommasino’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. He trains at the Champion Center in Scampia, a neighborhood in Naples known for its vibrant karate community. “This success shows that if I commit and believe in myself, I can achieve anything,” Tommasino said, echoing the core teaching of his coach, Massimo Portoghese. He added that he approached the competition with a clear mind, focusing on each encounter and giving his best performance.
The young karateka’s impressive resume already includes a cadet world championship, multiple World Cup titles, a junior Italian championship, and a third-place finish at the European championships. He is currently a fourth-year student at the Technical Institute in Giugliano, where his peers reportedly expect victory as a matter of course. A near-certain entry into the Fiamme Oro – a prestigious Italian sports group affiliated with law enforcement – is similarly on the horizon. “To craft your passion your job is the most beautiful thing that can happen,” Tommasino stated.
Coach Portoghese emphasized the significance of Tommasino’s win, not only for the athlete but for the Champion Center as a whole. “For the Champion Center, it was a championship to remember,” Portoghese said, also highlighting the third-place finish of Raffaele Astarita. He noted that a potential final between the two Champion Center athletes nearly materialized.
The Champion Center also celebrated a silver medal in the 50 kg category, earned by Asia Bifulco, who was defeated in the final by Erminia Perfetto. Bifulco competed despite a recent injury, demonstrating resilience and determination. Other athletes representing the Champion Center at the championships included Christian Liguori, Rita Cristallo, Morena Portoghese, Emilia Scarano, Gaia Servo, and Natale Grecia.
Tommasino’s success story is a testament to the power of dedication and the thriving karate scene in Scampia. His journey from a local training center to national champion underscores the potential within the community and offers a beacon of hope for aspiring athletes. The next step for Tommasino is securing official confirmation for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, a prospect that appears increasingly likely given his recent achievements.
The 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar represent a unique opportunity for the sport of karate. As one of the sports selected to engage a local audience, the games will showcase the discipline and athleticism of young athletes like Tommasino to a new generation of fans in Africa. The IOC’s focus on adapting the program to the local context aims to foster a deeper connection between the games and the host continent.
As Tommasino prepares for the challenges ahead, his story serves as an inspiration to young athletes everywhere. His commitment to excellence, combined with the support of his coach and community, has propelled him to the pinnacle of Italian karate. The world will be watching as he continues his journey towards Olympic glory.
Next Up: Almerico Tommasino awaits official confirmation for his participation in the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Updates will be available through the Italian Karate Federation and the official Youth Olympic Games website.
