The 2024 Karate World Cup was officially presented today in a press conference at the Navarra Arena sports hall, marking the official start of the biggest karate event of the year. The competition will take place from November 22 to 24 in Pamplona, with 80 top teams from 43 countries competing for glory.

The event was unveiled by key regional and sports officials, including Rebeca Esnaola, Councillor for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Navarra; Antonio Moreno, President of the Royal Spanish Karate Federation; and Antonio Espinós, President of the World Karate Federation. Representing the athletes were Spain’s own Damian Quintero and María Torres.

Speaking at the press conference, Councillor for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Navarra Rebeca Esnaola highlighted Navarra’s pride in hosting a global event of this scale.

“Pamplona now joins cities such as Tokyo, Paris, Dubai or Rio de Janeiro, as the host of Karate World Championships, and therefore, we appreciate the trust posed into us to organise this event. We face the challenge of welcoming the around 500 best karate athletes worldwide from over 40 countries in the 5 continents here with great thrill and responsibility and we are sure that the venue will be up to this tremendous task. It’s our intention to continue hosting events as important as this Karate World Cup and we are thrilled to have the best Karate teams here in Pamplona,” said Mrs. Esnaola.

The President of the Spanish Karate Federation, Antonio Moreno emphasized the international prestige of the tournament, calling it “a historic moment for karate in Spain.”

“This is the first time that the World Team Championships will be held, and I would like to thank WKF President Antonio Espinós for trusting us to bring this event to Pamplona. Good luck to our teams, these medals are up for grabs and now the time of truth has come. Now it is time to fight for glory and the medals,” said Moreno. 

Former World champions in Male Team Kata and defending titleholder in Female Team Kumite Quintero and Torres, respectively, expressed excitement about competing on home soil.

“We are very happy to fight here in front of our family and friends. We are very motivated to compete here, and we have made a very good group, both in male and female teams. Now we just need to enjoy the moment and give our best,” said current World Championships runner-up in Female Kumite and defending World champion in Female Team Kumite Maria Torres.

“These championships will be very special to me because it will be my last event on home soil, but the important thing is to focus on the four teams that will be representing our country here. I think we need to applaud the WKF for creating this competition because it is a very exciting and special event. We have worked very hard to reach our best level ahead of this tournament and good luck to all of us for the competition starting tomorrow,” said current World Championships runner-up and Olympic Games silver medallist in Male Kata Damian Quintero. 

World Karate Federation President Antonio Espinós also underscored the importance of the event.

“The Navarra Arena is an outstanding venue, like very few in the world, not only for the excellent conditions for the organisation of big events but also for intangible values as those demonstrated by the people working here. This event is a landmark moment for the WKF. The traditional format of our World Championships, established since our first event in 1970 had come to an end due to the tremendous evolution of our sport and our organisation. To continue enhancing this development, we decided to alter this format and now we come to this Karate World Cup. The main difference is that now, because of the qualification process and the particularities of the event, the best of the best are here. I am sure that this event will contribute to the continuation of the tremendous growth of our sport, and I am proud and thrilled to be here ready to experience this very anticipated event,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.

The presentation of the event also saw the unveiling of the official trophy of the Karate World Cup. Created specifically for this event and showcasing the globe and five karate belts representing the five continents, united by the karate belt representing the WKF, this trophy will be handed out to the four winning teams in each of the four categories at stake at the event and will be the unique trophy of this Karate World at upcoming events.

Over the next three days, fans can expect thrilling matches and a showcase of karate’s unique blend of precision, power, and artistry. The eliminations, quarterfinals and semifinals will be available LIVE on the WKF YouTube channel. The medal bouts will be available on a number of TV networks around the world and on the WKF YouTube channel, in countries without TV rights.

CLICK HERE for a full list of TV Providers by country.

CLICK HERE to go to the WKF YouTube channel.

Top picture: Officials and the Spanish Team pose at the Navarra Arena sports hall at the official presentation of the event.

WKF President Antonio Espinós

The official press conference of presentation of the 2024 Karate World Cup

From left to right: Councillor for Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Navarra Rebeca Esnaola, President of the Royal Spanish Karate Federation Antonio Moreno; and President of the World Karate Federation Antonio Espinós with the official trophy of the Karate World Cup.

The official trophy of the Karate World Cup.

The official presentation of the event saw the unveiling of The official trophy of the Karate World Cup.