The opening ceremony of the PKF Senior Championships in Punta del Este, Uruguay, celebrated the growth of karate in the Americas. Uruguay?s National Secretary of Sports, Sebastián Bauzá, attended the ceremony, underscoring the support from both national and regional officials.

The ceremony was a showcase of karate's progress in the continent, with WKF President Antonio Espinós and PKF President and WKF Vice President José García Maañón also in attendance. Over 300 karatekas from 23 countries gathered for the prestigious event in Punta del Este, marking a significant moment for the sport on the continent.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

?Karate in the Americas has made tremendous strides, and the opening ceremony in Punta del Este is a testament to that progress. I want to thank the Secretary of Sports Sebastián Bauzá for his invaluable contribution, for attending our event, and for supporting the development of our sport in the country. Also, my gratitude to PKF José García Maañón for orchestrating a brilliant event in Punta del Este. The success of this championship is remarkable and marks the increasing relevance of Karate in the continent.?

All the officials attend the opening ceremony of the PKF Senior Championships in Punta del Este.

The PKF Senior Championships in Punta del Este highlighted the athletic prowess of the best karatekas in the Americas and fostered a spirit of unity and Karate values. The event not only crowned the new continental champions but also qualified the PKF representatives at the upcoming WKF Team Championships to be held in November in Pamplona, Spain.

Top picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós and Uruguay?s Secretary of Sports Sebastián Bauzá

From left to right: WKF President Antonio Espinós, Uruguay?s Secretary of Sports Sebastián Bauzá, PKF President José García Maañón, and Uruguay Karate Federation President Estefanía Rodríguez.

From left to right: Uruguay?s National Director of Federated Sports Eduardo Ulloa, WKF President Antonio Espinós, the Ambassador of Japan to Uruguay Hideki Asari,  Uruguay?s Secretary of Sports Sebastián Bauzá, PKF President and WKF Vice President José García Maañón, and Uruguay Karate Federation President Estefanía Rodríguez.

Uruguay?s Secretary of Sports Sebastián Bauzá and PKF President and WKF Vice President José García Maañón.