International Olympic Committee Vice-President Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener attended the second day of competition of the Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai (UEA). The IOC representative was welcomed by WKF President Antonio Espinós who expressed gratitude for Mr Erdener’s presence in one of Karate’s biggest events. 

International Olympic Committee Vice-President Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener attended the second day of competition of the Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai (UEA). The IOC representative was welcomed by WKF President Antonio Espinós who expressed gratitude for Mr Erdener’s presence in one of Karate’s biggest events. 

During the visit, the progress of the sport was discussed as the head of the World Karate Federation stressed the increasing popularity of Karate in the region. The growing number of participants in Karate’s top events was also analysed while the modality continues to take steps towards its Olympic debut in the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. 

“We were honoured to have Mr Erdener as our guest in Dubai. His visit was an excellent opportunity for us to show him, in person, the outstanding progress of our sport and the many emotions that run through a major Karate event. We are committed to showcasing the Olympic values in all our competitions, and we hope that Mr Erdener was able to see it in Dubai,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós. 

Prof. Dr. Ugur Erdener has been IOC Vice-President since 2016 and member of the International Olympic Committee since 2008. Mr Erdener is the current President of World Archery and the head of the National Olympic Committee of Turkey. 

(Picture: From left to right: UAE Karate Federation President and WKF Vice-President Nasser Abdulrazaq Alrazooqi; IOC Vice-President Prof. Ugur Erdener; WKF President Antonio Espinós; WKF 3rd Vice-President Béchir Cherif; Turkey Karate Federation President and WKF Executive Committee member Esat Delihasan)