The UAE team won a bronze medal in the Kata discipline at the sixth Italian Karate Open in Monza yesterday.

Shaikha Maitha’s (centre) valiant efforts spurred on junior teammates to prove their mettle at the ongoing Italian Karate Open in Monza.

The junior UAE squad of Mona Al Gurg, Randa Ebrahim and Bisan Suwam did well to come third in this international competition.

"This is the best possible news for us as it is part of building up a team for the future," Ziad Hammad, the girls team coach and administrator told Gulf News from Monza.

"The girls have worked hard and fully deserve this honour."

Hosts Italy settled for the top two spots, while Germany had the consolation of sharing the bronze medal along with the UAE.

"The entire UAE delegation here is so pleased about this achievement from the juniors," Hammad said.

This two-day international competition has attracted more than 1,200 athletes from all over the world, especially from Europe.

"We must consider that this is the first time ever that our team is contesting in such a prestigious competition," Hammad said.

"This is a great experience for the team. And with this bronze medal, our juniors are going to be full of confidence."

The UAE delegation is scheduled to return tomorrow.