The World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that solidifies karate's position as a core sport in the upcoming editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games. The signing ceremony took place at the Olympic House of Saudi Arabia in Paris during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and was conducted by WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek, and ISSA Secretary-General Nasser Majali.

This MoU is a pivotal development for the sport, as it ensures karate's continued presence as a fundamental part of the Islamic Solidarity Games, the largest multi-sport event for Islamic countries. Karate's inclusion as a core sport highlights its widespread popularity across Islamic nations, where it has become a symbol of values, and cultural and athletic significance.

The next edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025. Thanks to this MoU, karate will be firmly established as a core sport in the event.

During his visit to the Olympic House of Saudi Arabia in Paris, Mr. Cipek also met with the Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic Committee, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen. The two officials discussed the remarkable popularity of karate in Saudi Arabia and the nation’s growing stature as a powerhouse in the sport, as well as Saudi Arabia’s support for Karate’s Olympic prospects. Additionally, the country’s significance in the global karate community was further emphasised by Tareq Hamedi's silver medal in the Male Kumite +75kg category at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games—Saudi Arabia's only medal at the event.

WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek and ISSA Secretary-General Nasser Majali


WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek said:  

"I am honoured to have been given the responsibility to represent the WKF in this crucial agreement. I thank WKF President Antonio Espinós for his trust and for his visionary leadership in our efforts to take Karate to greater heights. This MoU not only strengthens karate's role in the Islamic Solidarity Games but also underscores our commitment to advancing the sport worldwide.”

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

 "The inclusion of karate as a core sport in the Islamic Solidarity Games is a testament to its growing popularity and importance in Islamic countries. This MoU is a vital step in further developing karate in these nations, where the sport has become deeply rooted. I am sure that with the inclusion of Karate as a core sport of the Islamic Solidarity Games, the popularity of Karate in these countries will grow even more. I would like to thank Mr. Cipek for his exceptional work in representing karate at this event and for his invaluable contributions to the sport’s progress."

As the sport of karate continues to grow in popularity across the globe, particularly in Islamic nations, the signing of this MoU marks a milestone in ensuring its continued success and development in future editions of the Islamic Solidarity Games.

Mr Cipek discussed the progress of Karate with the Secretary-General of the Saudi Olympic Committee, Abdulaziz bin Ahmed Baeshen.