The official presentation of the 2024 Mediterranean Karate Championships was held today in Olbia, with a gathering of local authorities and key figures from the international karate community. The press conference, led by the President of the Karate Section of the Italian Federation of Wrestling, Judo, Karate and Martial Arts (FIJLKAM) Davide Benetello, and the President of the Mediterranean Karate Federation Bechir Cherif, had WKF President Antonio Espinós and the Mayor of Olbia Settimo Nizzi in attendance, alongside local and regional sports officials. 

Local authorities expressed their full support for the Mediterranean Karate Championships, which will bring over 400 athletes from 18 Mediterranean nations to Olbia, and highlighted the importance of the event that is travelling for the first time to Sardinia.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:  

"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Davide Benetello and the Italian Karate Federation for their incredible efforts in bringing this first-class karate event to Olbia. Italy is truly one of the biggest powerhouses of karate in the world, and the growing popularity and excellence of the sport in this country is evident through events like the Mediterranean Karate Championships and the many international competitions held in the country, as well as the outstanding results achieved by the Italian delegation at the most important competitions. This is all the result of the sensational work of the Italian Federation under the leadership of Davide Benetello.”

“I also want to thank the Mediterranean Karate Federation and its president, Bechir Cherif for their ongoing work in expanding the reach and impact of karate across the region."

The 30^th edition of the Mediterranean Karate Championships will be held in Olbia, Italy from September 20 to 22.

Top picture: From left to right: WKF Rules and Ranking Commission member and Karate section of FIJLKAM Technical Director Luca Valdesi, Mediterranean Karate Federation (MKFU) Executive Committee member Cinzia Colaiacomo, Secretary General of FIJLKAM Massimiliano Benucci, Mayor of Olbia Settimo Nizzi, WKF President Antonio Espinos, MKFU President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, president of the Karate section of FIJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello, EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek, Secretary General of MKFU Andreas Vasileiou, Treasurer of MKFU Mohamed Mohey, and president of Sardinia Karate Sector Sergio Setzu.

The president of the Karate section of FIJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello addresses the audience.

WKF President Antonio Espinós highlighted the importance of events such as the Mediterranean Karate Championship to the development of the sport.