At the World Judo Champions Kata and Veterans 2026 tournament in Sarajevo, athletes from the Judo Kwai Amiatino club in Piancastagnaio secured multiple global medals, led by a victory from Cristina Magini and a silver finish by Alessandra D’Amario.
Global Success for Piancastagnaio at Sarajevo Worlds
Running from September 20 to September 25, the global competition in Sarajevo gathered more than 1,500 athletes representing 60 countries. Representing viale Gramsci in Piancastagnaio, the Judo Kwai Amiatino delegation placed three competitors on the international stage: men’s sector competitor Francesco Porcelloni alongside women’s world champions Cristina Magini and Alessandra D’Amario.
Magini claimed her fourth world title despite competing through the physical recovery of a previous injury. Her campaign required four demanding matches against national representatives from France, Estonia, and Canada. Following her gold-medal performance, the world champion dedicated her victory to her family, her club in Piancastagnaio, and her partner and coach, Marco Gigli.
Podium Finishes Across Divisions
In the women’s division, D’Amario captured a silver medal after rigorous bouts against teams from Spain and Portugal. The decisive match saw the three-time world victor hold a strong position before narrowly yielding the top spot to her opponent from New Caledonia near the end of the contest.
In the men’s sector, Porcelloni faced a difficult pool featuring competitors from Georgia and Kazago, ultimately securing a third place after a series of challenging matches.
Local Recognition and Community Pride
Reflecting on the club’s ongoing achievements at the highest levels of European and world judo, and a reality that for over 60 years has gathered children, youth and adults around this sport, Judo Kwai Amiatino President Massimo Zamperini noted that the elite competitors continue to set a high standard for the training facility. «Ormai queste due ragazze non ci stupiscono più», Zamperini stated regarding the consistent excellence of the club’s top athletes, adding that having them trained and tesserate at the facility remains an honor.
Local government officials also praised the delegation’s performance on the international stage. Claudia Vagnoli, the sports councilor, described the results as an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects years of work and passion. «Un’ impresa straordinaria che vede ancora una volta Cristina Magini e Alessandra D’ Amario al centro del mondo», Vagnoli noted, emphasizing that the achievements validate the hard work of athletes, instructors, and collaborators alike in elevating the community’s profile globally.
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