A landmark event took place on Wednesday with the unveiling of the Asian Karate Academy and Training Centre in Hangzhou, a world-class facility aimed at elevating the sport of Karate across Asia. The inauguration was held on the eve of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Senior Championships, being hosted in the city this week.

The official ceremony was a high-profile event, attracting key figures in the world of karate and regional and local authorities. Leading the ceremony was Zhang Zhi, President of the Chinese Karate Association and newly appointed AKF Vice President, along with AKF Vice President and Executive Committee member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) Rashid Al Ali, and Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Linping District Wang Yanqin. Also in attendance were WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, and members of the AKF Executive Committee.

The Asian Karate Academy and Training Centre is a state-of-the-art complex, designed to nurture and develop karate talent across the continent. Athletes will benefit from top-tier training facilities, further solidifying China's role as a growing hub for the sport. The centre highlights the strong support from Hangzhou officials and the Linping District for the development of karate and reflects the rapidly rising popularity of the sport in China.

WKF President Antonio Espinós who could not attend the event due to conflicts of agenda expressed his deep gratitude to the Hangzhou Linping District and local authorities for their outstanding support. “This new centre is a testament to the strong commitment of the officials in Hangzhou and Linping District to the future of karate. Not only did they host a truly memorable edition of the Asian Games last year and will welcome a Karate 1-Premier League tournament in 2025; their contribution to the progress of Karate is evident and has made this world-class facility a reality,” said Espinós.

“This centre sets a new standard for karate federations globally and is an unmatched effort in promoting the sport internationally. For that, I want to express the gratitude of the whole karate community to the AKF and its President, Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, along with the Chinese Karate Association and its President, Zhang Zhi, for creating a memorable moment for our sport,” Espinós added.

Top picture: The members of the AKF Executive Committee pose with the newly appointed AKF Vice President and Chinese Karate Association President Zhang Zhi and WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura at the Asian Karate Training Centre.

From left to right: AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali, Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Linping District Wang Yanqin, AKF Vice President and Chinese Karate Association President Zhang Zhi, AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member H.E. TYT Tun Seri Mohamad Ali Rustam, AKF Vice President Alamjon Mullaev and AKF General Secretary Che Kuong Yim, John.

AKF Executive Committee members and Karate officials, alongside WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura pose at the Asian Karate Training Centre.

From left to right: AKF Treasurer Darly Sirega, AKF CEO Vicent Chen, AKF Executive Committee members Dr Adel Idan Ghalan, and Bharat Sharma, Chinese Karate Association President and AKF Vice President Zhang Zhi, AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali, AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member H.E. TYT Tun Seri Mohamad Ali Rustam, AKF Vice President Alamjon Mullaev, AKF General Secretary Che Kuong Yim, John, AKF Executive Committee members Manar Shaat, Abdulayev Sarsenbay, and Vu Son Ha, and WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura.

From left to right: Deputy Mayor of Hangzhou Linping District Wang Yanqin, Chinese Karate Association President and AKF Vice President Zhang Zhi, AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali, AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee member H.E. TYT Tun Seri Mohamad Ali Rustam, AKF Vice President Alamjon Mullaev and AKF General Secretary Che Kuong Yim, John.

The Asian Karate Academy is a state-of-the-art centre in Hangzhou.

AKF Executive Committee members, Chinese Karate Association officials and its President Zhang Zhi, and WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura pose with the members of the Chinese team at the centre.