The 2021 Karate 1-Premier League Istanbul officially begun Thursday with the registration of athletes and officials.

The 2021 Karate 1-Premier League Istanbul officially begun Thursday with the registration of athletes and officials. The first day of pre-competition procedures was determined by the strict application of the WKF COVID-19 Protocol.

After the successful celebration of the Referee course, which was held from Sunday to Thursday thus opening the programme of the event, the tournament went into full mode with the registration of athletes and officials.

The implementation of the WKF COVID-19 protocol determined the registration process as the procedures to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic were meticulously applied. While the use of face masks, social distancing, and frequent sanitation were constant throughout the day, a series of additional measures were followed to guarantee the safety of the participants.

With the WKF COVID-19 team on site, all the officials, athletes, and staff members presented a negative PCR test prior to the registration. Mandatory antigen tests were performed throughout the day and safety guidelines to reduce contact were enforced during the weigh-in as the delegations closely followed the time slots to avoid large gatherings.

Over 400 athletes confirmed their participation at the event. The 2021 Karate 1-Premier League Istanbul is the first international Karate competition to be held in over a year as nearly 20 tournaments were cancelled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The registration has gone very smoothly. All the procedures were successfully implemented, and the flow of athletes and officials has been efficient and effective throughout the day. Of course, this is the first time that these protocols are being applied and there are a few details that could be streamlined for the next events, but overall, we are satisfied with the result of the day,” said WKF Organising Commission chairman and Karate 1-Premier League supervisor Esteban Perez.

The event is scheduled to start on Friday at 9:00 (local time). The finals will be held on Sunday from 15.00 (local time).