WKF Structure

Progress of Karate in Africa reviewed at UFAK Congress

2022-12-03

Progress of Karate in Africa reviewed at UFAK Congress

The Congress of the African Karate Federation (UFAK) gathered Thursday in Durban (South Africa). The meeting was held on the eve of the 2023 UFAK Karate Championships.

The situation of the sport in the continent, the celebration of all six regional championships thanks to the contribution of the WKF and ways to continue the growth of Karate in Africa were among the main points of the agenda. The approval of the financial report and UFAK president’s call to increase the solidarity of countries in the continent as well as efforts to attract sponsors were also discussed.

The Congress was headed by UFAK President Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi and managed by the South Africa Karate Federation President Sonny Pillay. WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif and WKF Executive Committee member Souleymane Gaye were also in attendance while WKF President Antonio Espinós sent a video message to all the African Karate family.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“Africa is the fastest growing continent in Karate, as will be demonstrated this week in Durban. The discussions at the Congress are setting the base for the continuous progress of our sport in the region, and I want to congratulate UFAK President Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi and WKF Executive Committee members Bechir Cherif and Souleymane Gaye for their contribution to the development of Karate as well as to SAKF President Sonny Pillay for hosting this successful event in South Africa.”

(Top picture: Representatives of African Karate National Federations gathered at the UFAK Congress)

UFAK President Mohamed Tahar Mesbahi, WKF Executive Committee members Souleymane Gaye and Bechir Cherif, SAKF President Sonny Pillay and WKF Referee Commission chairman Javier Escalante pose with the referees in Durban.  

WKF President Antonio Espinós sent a video message to the African Karate joined in Durban