WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura and Tokyo 2020 Karate Sport Manager Toshie Murata met with Tokyo 2020 Sports Director Mikako Kotani

WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura and Tokyo 2020 Karate Sport Manager Toshie Murata met with Tokyo 2020 Sports Director Mikako Kotani to review Karate’s Olympic debut and to analyse the contribution of the sport to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

As Ms Kotani is finishing her tenure as the head of the Sports operations of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Karate representatives gathered at the Tokyo 2020 headquarters to express the excitement of the sport for the outstanding presentation of Karate at the Games.

Mr Nagura and Mr Murata sent WKF President Antonio Espinós’ heartfelt appreciation to Ms Kotani for her leadership and crucial contribution to the successful delivery of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“I want to thank Ms Kotani for taking the time to meet with Mr Nagura and Mr Murata in Tokyo. We are convinced that the WKF fully achieved its goals of showcasing Karate’s best values and outstanding sporting spirit at the Games, as well as Japan’s tradition and honour.

“Our successful Olympic presentation could not have been possible without the support of TOCOG officials headed by Ms Kotani, and for that, we will be eternally grateful.”

The sports representatives explored the impressive display of sporting action from the tatami at the Games as well as the universality of Karate which was showcased by the 36 countries represented at the Olympic event and the 20 nations taking home the Olympic medals. Karate’s Olympic future was also on top of the agenda of the meeting.

(Picture: From left to right: WKF General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura, Tokyo 2020 Sports Director Mikako Kotani, and Tokyo 2020 Karate Sport Manager Toshie Murata)