International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited the Karate event at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. The head of the IOC was welcomed at Pabellon Europa sports hall by WKF President Antonio Espinós as the two officials enjoyed the afternoon session of the first day of Karate action at the multi-sports event. 

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited the Karate event at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. The head of the IOC was welcomed at Pabellon Europa sports hall by WKF President Antonio Espinós during the afternoon session of the first day of Karate action at the multi-sport event. 

Karate is making its Olympic debut in Buenos Aires. The sport was d in the programme of the Youth Olympic Games for the first time in Buenos Aires, and the first ever Karate competition at the Youth Olympic Games started on Wednesday, October 17.

The delegation of the World Karate Federation welcoming the president of the IOC was headed by WKF President Antonio Espinós, and also had WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, WKF First Vice President and President of the National Karate Federation of Argentina José García Maañón, and WKF Athletes Commission chairman Davide Benetello as attendees. Karate’s Athlete Role Models Nassim Varasteh and Iván Leal were also in attendance. 

“It was an honour to have the visit of the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach here today. We are celebrating our first participation in the Youth Olympic Games, and we are very pleased for the opportunity to showcase our sport and our values here,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós. 

“We hope that our Olympic debut here helps us to everyone around the world the significant value that Karate can add being part of the core of the Olympic sports,” added the head of the WKF.