World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós met with Eid Al Muraikhi, President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo on the eve of the first Karate 1-Youth League event of the year. The meeting was hosted by the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) and the UAE Karate Federation President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi.

The discussions focused on the progress of karate in the region and the potential of hosting international karate events in Qatar. As a nation that successfully hosted the ANOC World Beach Games in 2019, with karate featured on the program, Qatar is keen on becoming a regional hub for the sport. With Eid Al Muraikhi recently appointed to lead the Qatar Federation, the country is poised to strengthen its presence in the international karate community.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:  

“I am grateful to Eid Al Muraikhi for his commitment to the development of karate and his intention to welcome international karate events in Qatar. This initiative will greatly contribute to the growth of karate not only in Qatar but throughout the region. With the popularity of Karate fast growing in the Middle East, events in this region could definitely jump-start the progress of Karate worldwide.”

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his ongoing support and invaluable contribution to advancing karate in Asia. His leadership continues to inspire growth and unity within the karate community.”

The 2025 Karate 1-Youth League in Fujairah marks the first major event of the year for youngsters, attracting young karate talent from around the world. Over 2900 young athletes from 87 countries have registered to participate in the 2025 edition of the Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah.

(Top picture: From left to right: Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Executive Director Adel Almarzooqi, AKF and UAE Karate Federation President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Eid Al Muraikhi, WKF President Antonio Espinós, and WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali)

WKF President Antonio Espinós hands out a recognition to the President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Eid Al Muraikhi.

From left to right: WKF Executive Committee member Rashid Al Ali, WKF President Antonio Espinós, President of the Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Eid Al Muraikhi, AKF and UAE Karate Federation President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, Qatar Federation of Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo Executive Director Adel Almarzooqi, and UAE Karate Federation President Executive Committee member and WKF Technical Commission member Mohammed Abbas.