World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós held a productive meeting with Hans Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings, in Manila. The meeting took place during the 2024 Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships, and had a focus on potential cooperation for Karate events in the country.

The central topic of discussion was the potential cooperation between the Karate Federation of the Philippines, the Sy Group, the AKF, and the WKF for the organisation of karate events in the Philippines, including a Karate 1-Youth League.

In addition to Mr. Espinós and Mr. Sy, the meeting was attended by AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee Member Rashid Al-Ali, and the President of the Karate Federation of the Philippines Richard Lim.

Following the meeting, WKF President Antonio Espinós stated:

"We are deeply thankful to Mr. Hans Sy for taking the time to meet with us and for his enthusiasm towards the potential of hosting major karate events in the Philippines. Karate brings numerous added values to organisations and stakeholders worldwide, including promoting discipline, respect, and community engagement. The karate world would be thrilled to join forces with Mr Sy and his team to deliver a first-class event in a country that has a strong tradition in the sport. The Philippines is one of the powerhouse nations in karate in the region, and we see tremendous potential in this partnership."

The meeting marked an important step towards strengthening the ties between the WKF, the AKF, and key stakeholders in the Philippines. As the allocation of major Karate events for the period 2026-2027 is under analysis, the potential for the Philippines to become a prominent host of international karate events grows exponentially, especially after the successful organisation of the 2024 AKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Manila and the meeting with stakeholders such as Mr Sy.

(Top picture: From left to right: General Manager of Hotel Conrad Manila Fabio Berto, General Manager of Mall of Asia Arena Arnel Gonzales, WKF President Antonio Espinós, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy, President of the Karate Federation of the Philippines Richard Lim, and AKF Vice President and WKF Executive Committee Member Rashid Al-Ali.)

Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime Holdings Hans Sy (second from right) and Karate officials, with WKF President Antonio Espinós on the lead (first from right) discussed the potential organisation of Karate events in the Philippines.