World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós travelled to Salzburg to attend the final Karate 1-Series A event of the season. During his visit, Mr. Espinós engaged in high-profile discussions on the sport’s future and participated in key activities surrounding the event.

Mr. Espinós attended the Referee Briefing ahead of the competition, where he highlighted the constant evolution of refereeing in karate. “The refereeing community plays an essential role in modernising the sport and ensuring it adapts to the new times,” Mr. Espinós remarked during his speech. He expressed gratitude to referees for their continued efforts to stay in step with the latest advancements in the sport. Mr. Espinós was accompanied by Austrian Karate Federation President and Executive Committee Member of the European Karate Federation (EKF), Georg Russbacher.

During the event, Mr. Espinós also met with EKF members on-site to discuss the development of karate across Europe. The meeting also covered key upcoming events in Europe, further cementing karate's growing prominence on the continent.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“I want to thank Mr. Georg Russbacher for hosting this memorable Karate 1-Series A event in Salzburg. The event has been a testament to the dedication of the Austrian Karate Federation, and it reflects the strength of karate as we look to the future.”

“Karate fans have a unique opportunity to demonstrate their passion for the sport in the months ahead. As we approach the World Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships in Venice, and the Karate World Cup in Pamplona, I am confident that the karate community will join us in celebrating the many values of our sport.”

Top picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós addresses the judges at the Referee Briefing

The referees participating in the Karate 1-Series A Salzburg.

Mr Espinós met with members of the WKF and EKF Executive Committee on-site. From left to right: Yashar Bashirov (AZE), Slavoljub Piper (SRB), Wolfgang Weigert (GER), WKF President Antonio Espinós, Davide Benetello (ITA),   Georg Russbacher (AUT), and Anton Gavrilov (RUS).

WKF Referee Commission member and chief referee at the event Zitouni Metyout.