The global karate community is expressing deep frustration and confusion over the exclusion of karate from the Olympic programme for both Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028. Following the many added values of Karate and its status as a popular, successful sport, the decision to remove karate from subsequent Games has left fans, athletes, and sports enthusiasts worldwide perplexed.

 The absence of clear reasons for karate’s exclusion only adds to the sense of incongruence felt across the community. Despite the sport’s proven popularity, global reach, and unique appeal, the decision remains shrouded in mystery, leaving many to question the rationale behind this move.

Global Athletes Rally for Karate’s Olympic Inclusion

Athletes from around the world have voiced their strong support for karate's rightful place in the Olympic programme.

“It is true that Karate is not (in the Games), it is true that it is unfair but as in any competition when you don't achieve your objectives, fairly or unfairly, the only way forward is to keep working, improving and proving that we deserve to be there (in our right place)", said Tokyo 2020 gold medallist Sandra Sanchez on social media.

“I strongly criticize the decision that was taken,” said Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and France’s biggest star Steven Dacosta. “Allow me to remind you that it was Paris 2024 who should have fought to keep Karate in the programme. They didn’t. Los Angeles 2028 has far exceeded the number of athletes imposed by the IOC. They fought for their sports, to put disciplines that count in their country and that will bring them medals! (President of Paris 2024) Tony Estanguet didn't fight. He did nothing for us... NOTHING!”  

“I hope that one day all young Karateka will have the chance to experience the same life-changing opportunity that shaped my tomorrow,” said Olympic Games bronze medallist Ariel Torres of the United States.

“As we look back on that incredible milestone (of karate’s Olympic debut), I hold onto the hope that it was just the beginning and that there will be many more opportunities for karate to shine on the Olympic stage in the future,” said Olympic Games bronze medallist Mo Sheung Grace Lau of Hong Kong.

The fact that karate was not included in Paris 2024, despite France being one of the biggest powerhouse nations in the sport, and in Los Angeles 2028, where karate is the most popular martial art, underscores the confusion surrounding this decision.

Adding to the controversy, karate stands as the only sport present in all five continental games of the Olympic cycle—European Games, Asian Games, African Games, Pan American Games, and Pacific Games—that is not part of the Olympic programme. This inconsistency has only deepened the sense of incongruence within the global karate community.

World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós has voiced the collective disappointment and determination of the karate community:

"Karate, with its global popularity, appeal among youth, commercial potential, and unwavering commitment to gender parity, is a sport that embodies, like any other, the spirit of the Olympics. The global karate community remains steadfast in our belief that the natural place for karate is within the Olympic Games, and we sincerely hope that the incongruence we suffered in Paris 2024 and LA 2028 will be corrected for Brisbane 2032, if not sooner.

“We call upon the IOC and the organizing committees to provide the transparency and clarity they often champion and to clearly state what criteria karate must meet to be part of the Olympic programme. To the IOC and the local organizing committees of the Olympic Games, we demand: What else must Karate do to be finally included in the Olympics?”

As the world reflects on the success of Paris 2024, the exclusion of karate remains a glaring contradiction. The karate community will continue to advocate for its rightful place in the Olympic programme, confident that the sport’s value and appeal will eventually be acknowledged on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

PART 3: Karate: The Great Greatest Absence of Paris 2024; The Global Popularity of Karate

PART 2: Karate: The Most Notable Absence at Paris 2024 Despite Tokyo 2020 Success

PART 1:  Karate: Paris 2024 Greatest Absence