The Executive Committee of the World Karate Federation met Tuesday via a videoconference to discuss the prospects of the sport amid the current climate of uncertainty caused by the global pandemic of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The Executive Committee of the World Karate Federation met Tuesday via a videoconference to discuss the prospects of the sport amid the current climate of uncertainty caused by the global pandemic of the coronavirus outbreak.

WKF President Antonio Espinós headed the meeting with the members of the decision-making body attending the event from their countries. The Executive Committee meeting followed the gathering of the Executive Bureau which took place Monday also via a videoconference. The measures to adjust the sport to the new situation in light of the global coronavirus pandemic were on top of the agenda.

The consequences of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021 were discussed, including the revised Qualification System. The increased possibilities for the development of the sport ahead of the rescheduled Olympic debut of Karate were underlined.

Additionally, considering the new timeline for the Olympic Games and the pressing effects of the coronavirus pandemic, the amendments in the 2020 and 2021 competition calendars were evaluated. The status of the 2020 Senior World Championships and the 2021 Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships was analysed and a tentative calendar for 2020 and 2021 was presented, with the final dates to be confirmed in the near future.

The basics of the 2021 WKF activities calendar were agreed following a proposal from the Strategy and Development Commission. The 2021 calendar will be alleviated in terms of the celebration of events in order to adapt it to the limitations imposed by the pandemic and the current and future financial restrictions affecting all National Federation, clubs and individual athletes. 

The impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on referees, coaches and athletes was also discussed. The Executive Committee approved the creation of a protocol to adapt the Karate events to the new situation.

“The Karate family has demonstrated time after time that we get the best of ourselves in troubled times. We had very fruitful discussions today during this videoconference, and I am convinced that our sport continues in the right direction despite the current challenges. We will keep on working tirelessly to ensure the continuous growth of Karate in the world. If we remain united and side by side, as we are now, we will overcome all adversities to further take our sport to new heights,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.

The WKF Executive Committee also joined to share a message of solidarity to the whole Karate world amid the current unprecedented crisis. Karate’s governing body gathered in unity to thank all of those in the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic and to workers all around the world in these difficult times. Additionally, the WKF Executive Committee paid tribute to all the victims of the COVID-19 outbreak. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims of the crisis and their families. We want to take this opportunity to send our deepest condolences to their loved ones. We mourn with them and we feel their loss as if it was our own,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós on behalf of all the members of the Executive Committee.