This historic breakthrough was preceded by almost two years of intense competition on the international stage. During this time, Slabchenko and Hladiichuk participated in six World and European Cups, consistently proving their high-class level.
\"Behind this result lie thousands of hours of training, iron discipline, and a tremendous desire to grow,\" commented KARS Head Coach Karen Dalaloyan on the achievement. \"We have been working towards this goal for over two years. For us, making the national team is not a coincidence, but the logical outcome of the dedicated hard work of the athletes themselves and the entire club team.\"
The fighters secured their spots on the national team through their outstanding personal records on the global stage:
Filipp Slabchenko has established himself as one of the most highly effective fighters in the division. His personal achievements include the European Cup title, along with three silver and three bronze medals won at major global and European competitions. Illia Hladiichuk definitively cemented his status as an elite athlete at the recent World Cup in Antalya, Turkey. Going through four grueling bouts, he secured three confident victories (two of which ended in early knockouts) to become the silver medalist of the prestigious tournament.
Inclusion in the national team is a recognition of the fighters\' exceptionally high level of preparation and the effectiveness of the KARS club\'s training approach. However, the athletes have no intention of resting on their laurels.
The next stage and primary challenge in their careers will be the WAKO Kickboxing World Championship, taking place this September in Jesolo, Italy. The club is confident that their status as national team members is just the beginning of a new, even more significant chapter in their sports history.
