The World Karate Federation (WKF) held its second meeting Executive Committee during the 2024 World Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Venice-Jesolo, Italy. The meeting was led by WKF President Antonio Espinós, with all committee members on-site present, including Davide Benetello, Executive Committee member and President of FIJLKAM’s Karate sector.

The agenda focused on continuing the comprehensive review of the global status of karate. Committee members were presented with progress reports of several WKF Commissions including the Rules and Ranking Commission, the Medical Commission, the Athletes Entourage Commission, the Technical Commission, and the Women's Sport Commission.

One of the central topics discussed was karate's Olympic prospects. With eyes set on the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, the Committee emphasized the need for continued advocacy to secure karate's return to the Olympic program.

WKF President Antonio Espinós reaffirmed the Federation's commitment to this goal, stating: “Karate has the values, the growth, and the global expansion to deserve its position in the Olympic Games. We showcased our potential in Tokyo 2020, and despite the setbacks thereafter, we will keep fighting for the place that karate rightfully deserves.”

“Karate has demonstrated, time and time again, that it provides all the right added values to the Olympic movement. The place of Karate is in the Olympic programme, and we hope to achieve this goal at the next Olympic Games.”

Top picture: From left to right: WKF General Treasurer Michael Dinsdale, WKF Vice President José García Maañon, WKF President Antonio Espinós, WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif.

The WKF Executive Committee in session.