Following the modification of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification System, which was announced today, the WKF Athletes’ Commission wants to state its total support of the decision to review the Olympic Qualification pathway for the Karate competition of the Tokyo 2020 Games. 

Following the modification of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification System, which was announced today, the WKF Athletes’ Commission wants to state its total support of the decision to review the Olympic Qualification pathway for the Karate competition of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

In agreement with the International Olympic Committee, the WKF announced today the revision of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualification System following the new scenario caused by the postponement of the Olympic Games to 2021.

The WKF Athletes’ Commission expressed its total agreement with this modification. The body to represent all WKF athletes has been closely working with other WKF stakeholders to guarantee that the essence of the original Olympic Qualification System was preserved and to safeguard the athletes’ voice in the process.

“The postponement of the Games to 2021 has completely changed the situation of our sport ahead of Karate’s Olympic debut. An amended qualification system reflecting the new situation was required. As it is always the case, the opinion of the WKF Athletes’ Commission has been crucial to the outcome of the final document. All the members of the commission have been working hard to ensure that the best conditions for athletes were guaranteed and that the qualification pathway is as fair, open, and impartial as possible for all the karatekas in the world,” said WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello.

“We at the WKF Athletes’ Commission believe that the final document reflects the values of fairness, independence, and equality of our sport, and we, as representatives all of WKF athletes, fully support the revised system,” added the former World champion and member of WKF Executive Committee.

CLICK HERE to go to the updated Olympic Qualification System.

CLICK HERE to go to the revised Qualification System document.