The Cyprus Karate Federation is aiming to win more than 15 medals at the Balkan Karate Championships for Children, Cadets, Juniors and Under 21, which begins Friday in Larnaca.

The opening ceremony will be held at the indoor Sports Centre of the American Academy in Larnaca.

A total of nine countries are participating in the championship, including Cyprus, Greece, Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Albania and so far 509 athletes.

The championship, under the auspices of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias, will wrap up on Sunday, 25 September.