The city of Pristine in Kosovo welcomed a Karate referee and coaches’ seminar as the sport continues taking steps to go back to normal.

The city of Pristine in Kosovo welcomed a Karate referee and coaches’ seminar as the sport continues taking steps to go back to normal.

Nearly 130 referees and coaches participated at the event. Organised by the Kosovo Karate Federation, the seminar aimed at reviewing Kata and Kumite competition rules, Para-Karate and U-14 regulations.

The event followed the strict health guidelines imposed by the local authorities to guarantee the safety of the participants. The use of face masks was mandatory as social distancing and sanitation measures were enforced.

Attended by nearly 30 national and international referees from Kosovo and Albania and almost 100 coaches, the seminar was headed by WKF Referee Chairman Javier Escalante with WKF Referee Commission secretary Robert Hamara participating by video conference. 

“I am really happy that even during the global pandemic crisis we managed to organise this seminar. It has always been a key milestone for our federation to cooperate with the WKF to create best possible conditions and opportunities for our referees and judges to learn, progress and develop” said the President of the Kosovo Karate Federation Ismet Krasniki.

“I am pleased to attest that more and more national federations around the world are taking initiatives to return to normal and to make the best of these uncertain times. Activities like the referee and coaches’ seminar in Kosovo help us continue the progress of Karate and contribute to making all the components of our sport ready for the moment when we can resume our competitions,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.