SICILIAN KICKBOXING TEAM CLAIMS NATIONAL TITLE WHILE BUILDING WORLD-CLASS TALENT
Aikya Team wins 14 medals at the Italian National Championships and continues to attract elite athletes from around the world
Palermo, Italy – June 2026
Aikya Team, one of Italy’s leading kickboxing clubs, delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Italian National Championships in Jesolo, capturing the Men’s Team Championship title and winning a total of 14 medals, including six gold, six silver and two bronze medals.
The results further cement the reputation of the Palermo-based club as one of the most successful and internationally connected programs in European kickboxing.
Among the team’s gold medalists were World Champion Silvia Gristina, World No. 2 ranked athletes Liam Calajó and Riccardo Oliva, Francesca Romano and Ignazio Sciacca.
The club’s success is particularly notable given the young age of many of its athletes. Several medal winners are teenagers already competing successfully at the highest national and international levels.
Home to World-Class Athletes
Aikya Team has become an important hub for international Point Fighting and kickboxing, producing multiple World Champions and developing athletes who regularly compete on the world’s biggest stages.
Among the standout performers was Silvia Gristina, reigning WAKO World Champion in the Senior -70 kg division and one of Italy’s leading Point Fighting athletes. By capturing another national title in Jesolo, Gristina added to a remarkable career that already includes World Championship and European Championship gold medals, as well as victories at some of the sport’s most prestigious World Cup and European Cup events.
At just 19 years old, Gristina has established herself among the elite athletes of international kickboxing. Her achievements recently earned national recognition beyond the sporting arena when Italy’s public broadcaster RAI featured her in its television program “Under 25 – Young Talents”, a series dedicated to exceptional young Italians making their mark in sport, science, culture and innovation.
Another major contributor to the team’s success was Liam Calajó, currently ranked No. 2 in the world by WAKO in the Senior -57 kg division. At only 19 years of age, Calajó has emerged as one of the brightest young stars in international Point Fighting. His latest national title further reinforces his position among the world’s elite competitors and future contenders on the global stage.
Joining him among the world’s top-ranked athletes is Riccardo Oliva, currently ranked No. 2 in the world by WAKO in Senior -79 kg Point Fighting. Oliva continued his impressive rise by securing another Italian national title, adding to an international résumé that includes victories and podium finishes at some of the sport’s most prestigious World Cup and European Cup competitions. His consistency at the highest levels has established him as one of Europe’s leading athletes in his division.
Beyond their individual achievements, Liam Calajó, Riccardo Oliva, Daniele Farina and former WAKO World Champion Ennio Giordano combined their experience and talent to lead Aikya Team to victory in the Men’s Team Championship. Their success highlighted not only the quality of the club’s top athletes but also the depth, cohesion and competitive strength that have made Aikya Team one of Europe’s most respected Point Fighting programs.
A Global Training Destination
Founded in 2009 by former World Champion Gianpaolo Calajó, Aikya Team has grown into a recognized international training environment that attracts athletes from around the world.
Calajó, who has more than 37 years of coaching experience and also serves as Head Coach of the Norwegian National Point Fighting Team, has helped build a culture focused on athlete development, personal growth and long-term excellence.
Today, world-class athletes regularly travel to Palermo to train with the team.
Among the world-class athletes who have chosen to train with Aikya Team are Devon Hopper, one of the United States’ most accomplished Point Fighting competitors and a World Championship medalist, and Hector Solorio of Mexico, a two-time WAKO World Champion and one of the sport’s most successful international competitors. Their decision to train in Palermo underscores the club’s reputation as a centre of excellence for Point Fighting and high-performance kickboxing.
“Our athletes are the protagonists of their own journey,” says Calajó. “Coaches are there to help when needed, but the path belongs to the athletes themselves.”
Excellence Despite Limited Resources
The achievements of Aikya Team carry additional significance given the challenges faced by combat sports organizations throughout Italy.
Although kickboxing continues to produce international champions and is officially recognized within the Italian sports system, much of the cost of international competition, training and athlete development continues to be borne directly by athletes, families and clubs themselves.
Aikya Team’s continued success demonstrates what can be achieved through commitment, community support and a shared vision, even in an environment where funding opportunities remain limited.
What makes the club’s achievements particularly noteworthy is that much of its international activity is funded directly by athletes, families and the club itself. Despite limited external support, Aikya Team continues to produce world champions, internationally ranked athletes and national champions capable of competing with the best programs in the world.
As Aikya Team continues to expand its international presence, the club is actively seeking sponsors and strategic partners who share its commitment to youth development, sporting excellence and community impact. Additional support would help provide more young athletes with access to international competitions and allow the club to further strengthen Sicily’s presence on the global kickboxing stage.
Looking Ahead
The team will next compete at the Hungarian World Cup, one of the most prestigious events on the global kickboxing calendar, where athletes from around the world will gather to compete at the highest level.
With a reigning World Champion, two athletes ranked No. 2 in the world, a growing international reputation and a proven track record of developing elite competitors, Aikya Team continues to establish itself as one of Europe’s most respected kickboxing programs.
About Aikya Team
Founded in Palermo, Italy, in 2009, Aikya Team is one of Europe’s leading Point Fighting and kickboxing clubs. Led by former World Champion Gianpaolo Calajó, who also serves as Head Coach of the Norwegian National Team, the club has developed multiple World Champions and international medalists over the past decade.
Today, Aikya Team brings together approximately 700 practitioners and 27 instructors across its programs, combining athlete development, youth training and international competition. The club regularly competes at Italian Championships, European Championships, World Championships, World Cups and European Cups.
Recognized internationally for its athlete-centered philosophy, Aikya Team attracts competitors from around the world who travel to Palermo to train alongside some of the sport’s top athletes. The club continues to develop the next generation of champions while promoting personal growth, inclusion and excellence through sport.
Media Contact
Nahla Salem
Partnerships and Fundraising
Aikya Team
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: +39 392 318 9942
Website: https://www.aikyatrainingcenter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aikya.family/
Location: Palermo, Sicily, Italy
Media Contact
Nahla Salem
Partnerships and Fundraising
Aikya Team
Email: [email protected]
Cell: +38 3923189942
Website: https://www.aikyatrainingcenter.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aikya.family/
Location: Palermo, Sicily, Italy
