The WKF Athletes’ Commission gathered this past weekend in Dubai to analyse the main topics impacting karatekas around the world. The collaboration among WKF’s top decision-making bodies to ensure that competitors continue being at the heart of the development of the sport was also on top of the agenda. 

The WKF Athletes’ Commission gathered this past weekend in Dubai to analyse the main topics impacting karatekas around the world. The collaboration among WKF’s top decision-making bodies to ensure that competitors continue being at the heart of the development of the sport was also on top of the agenda. 

The meeting was held in Dubai as the city of the UAE hosted the second stop of the 2019 Karate 1-Premier League. WKF President Antonio Espinós headed the meeting which had all the members of the commission in attendance and had WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello managing the productive discussions. The commission is formed by Douglas Brose of Brazil, Antonio Diaz of Venezuela, Nan Hoang Ngan of Vietnam, Vicky Panetsidou of Greece and Ryo Kiyuna of Japan. 

Among the topics in the agenda, the WKF Athletes’ Commission analysed the new competition rules which were implemented at the beginning of the year. New proposals from the athletes’ stand-point were presented to continue benefiting the progress of the sport, as latest issues of importance to karatekas were also discussed, such as athletes’ safety, the effect of the Olympic standings, and the safeguard of the conditions for karatekas at major events, among many other matters. 

“The WKF Athletes’ Commission is a crucial platform for karatekas to be heard as their involvement in the major issues of the sport is essential for the progress of Karate. Their experience, knowledge and involvement are our biggest assets, and I am convinced that with their help, we will continue shaping the future of our sport,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós. 

“As chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, I am very honoured to have such enthusiastic members that always have many useful inputs to our sport. Within the commission no less than ten World titles are gathered; all of us are ready to work together to further improve our sport day by day,” said WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello.  

(Picture: From left to right: WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello, Antonio Diaz, Vicky Panetsidou, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Nan Hoang Ngan, Douglas Brose and Ryo Kiyuna)