WKF Structure

WKF mourns passing of WKF Executive Committee member Zhastalap Sanauov

2020-12-31

WKF mourns passing of WKF Executive Committee member Zhastalap Sanauov

The World Karate Federation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WKF Executive Committee member Zhastalap Sanauov.

The World Karate Federation is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of WKF Executive Committee member Zhastalap Sanauov.

One of the biggest forces of the sport in Asia and a Karate personality in Kazakhstan, Zhastalap Sanauov passed away Thursday.

Mr Sanauov was a member of the WKF Executive Committee member since 2018, and for the last seven years, he acted as a member of the Sports Committee of the Asian Karate Federation. A true enthusiast of the sport, he was a 7th-Dan Black Belt; he represented Kazakhstan in international competitions from 1992 to 1994 and previously, he competed in international tournaments as a member of the Soviet Union national team from 1989 to 1992.

With our sport as his passion, he was a Karate teacher and also acted as President of the Kazakhstan national federation from 1994 to 2005. Since that year, he was the Vice-President of the national federation of his country.

A Deputy of the Government of Almaty City, Mr Sanauov had a Doctor PhD for the Kazakh Academy of Tourism and Sport Sciences, and a degree in Computer Engineer.

The thoughts and sympathies of the WKF and the whole Karate world are with Mr Sanauov’s family and friends as well as the entire Kazakhstan Karate community at this difficult time. 

“Zhastalap will be truly, truly missed. His devotion to Karate, his efforts to turn Kazakhstan into a powerhouse of the sport in Asia, and especially his kindness make his passing an irreparable loss for the Karate family. We will always remember his optimism and generosity. He was a true friend for all of us,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.

Zhastalap Sanauov (fifth from left, top row) as a member of the WKF Executive Committee.

Zhastalap Sanauov (first from left) poses with WKF President Antonio Espinós (center) and WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura (second from right) during a visit to Kazakhstan.

Zhastalap Sanauov as a member of the Asian Karate Federation.