The Executive Committee of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) gathered Thursday morning in Tashkent (Uzbekistan) ahead of the 2023 AKF Karate Championships.

Headed by AKF President and WKF Vice-President Nasser Alrazooqi and with WKF President Antonio Espinós in attendance, the meeting reviewed the situation of the sport in the continent.

The progress of Karate in Asia and the growth of the sport after the challenges of the pandemic were discussed at the meeting. The gathering also served to prepare for the upcoming AKF Congress to be held the same day in the afternoon in Tashkent.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“Despite the many challenges over the last years, Karate continues to be one of the most popular sports in Asia. Karate incessantly brings many values and its strength, especially among youngsters, to the Asian sports ecosystem.

“While we still have many accomplishments to achieve, our contribution to the progress of sports and the Olympic movement in Asia is evident. The AKF has experienced significant progress since the 2019 AKF Elective Congress, converging and aligning very rapidly with the WKF. And for that, I would like to thank the AKF and its President Nasser Alrazooqi. Their collaboration and outstanding work are essential to the development of Karate in Asia and around the world."

(Top picture: The AKF Executive Committee pose after the meeting)

(Pictures: AKF Official Media)

The Executive Committee of the AKF in session.

WKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the AKF Executive Committee

WKF President Antonio Espinós (right) with AKF President Nasser Alrazooqi (centre) and AKF Vice President Mohamad Al Rustam Tun Seri Setia.

WKF President Antonio Espinós during the AKF Executive Committee meeting