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Top Karatekas elated by inclusion of Karate in Olympic Games

2016-08-09

Top Karatekas elated by inclusion of Karate in Olympic Games

As the 129th Session of the International Olympic Committee decided to include Karate in the programme of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a sense of joy and pride spread among the Karate family. Fans, athletes and authorities of the sport alike expressed their delight for the historic moment for the ancient discipline.

As the 129th Session of the International Olympic Committee decided to include Karate in the programme of Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, a sense of joy and pride spread among the Karate family. Fans, athletes and authorities of the sport alike expressed their delight for the historic moment for the ancient discipline.

Soon right after the decision, top Karatekas around the world took the opportunity to share the outstanding news for the sport, and showed their gratitude for being able to experience these memorable times for Karate.

“I am very happy that Karate is Olympic sport. Our dream came true. Many thanks to all those who made this happen, we will never forget this and we would like to contribute to make Tokyo 2020 successful Olympic Games,” said Japan’s Ryutaro Araga speaking from the dojo where we grew up.

“It is my dream to be in Tokyo in the first Olympic Karate tournament!”, commented exultant Italy’s Luigi Busa, while fellow Italian Sara Cardin also stated the hopes of Karate fans around the world. “Our dream came true at last,” said the world and European champion.

“We never gave up”

“Finally Karate is Olympic Sport. I think Karate deserved it many years ago, but we never gave up and we continued trying to be in the Olympic programme,” stated Karate Star Antonio Diaz. “It is a great moment for Karate and for everyone who practice this martial art,” added the Venezuelan hero.

As the news of the inclusion of Karate in the Olympic programme became an instant hit in Social Media, Germany’s Jonathan Horne had a wish to share with fans. “I will be there in Tokyo 2020, I hope so. I will do everything for it, and I am sure that all athletes will do the same. The Olympic Games are the highest tournament for athletes, and now we can be part of it,” declared the European champion.



Even those on the run had a moment to stop and reflect on the sensational day for the ancient discipline. That is the case of Ukraine’s Stanislav Horuna, who said from the airport: “This decision will have a huge influence and resonance in many countries, federations, and ordinary people like me, my coach, my friends. This decision means new challenges to all of us. Together we are Karate, so let’s stay together”.

Meanwhile, Karate Star Damian Quintero sets his eyes on a new goal. “Yes, we got it! Today our way to Tokyo 2020 begins, so let’s do it!,” said Spanish European champion.

Dreams do come true

Top Karatekas agreed that the inclusion of Karate in the Olympic Games was a long-awaited dream for everyone involved in the sport.

“It is a wonderful day for us because Karate, my passion, my job, and my life was included in Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. It has been my dream since I was a child and now it came true,” pointed out Italy’s Stefano Maniscalco.

“Karate is finally Olympic sport, it’s amazing news, I am very, very happy. Now we have to start preparing and prove the IOC that they made the right choice,” added France’s superstar Alexandra Recchia, while Spain’s Sandra Sanchez lived a special moment of happiness as the news of the decision came only days after another memorable event on a personal note of her wedding. “We are into the Olympics! Now a new day begins. We have to work together for the best of Karate,” expressed the European Champion.

“I am very excited about the inclusion of Karate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games,” said USA’s Thomas Scott, who showed the thrill of youngsters in his dojo for the great news for Karate.

Japanese Karate fans were specially delighted for the decision, as they will get to see the sport debuting in the Olympic Games in the birth country of the discipline. Japan’s Kiyou Shimizu shared the feeling of fellow Japanese enthusiasts and said: “I am very happy that Karate was included in Tokyo 2020. I hope that we will be able to help to make Tokyo 2020 a big success,” said the reigning World champion in Kata.



Millions of Karatekas around the world followed the moment of the decision by many different media, but only one had the opportunity to experience the event from the place where history was being made. That was the case of Brazil’s Douglas Brose. The Pan American and World champion was invited to Hotel Windsor Oceanico where the IOC Session took place and lived with special joy and emotion the moment of the decision.

“This is a dream coming true, not only for being able to see Karate into the Olympics, but also for being part of the process to take our sport to this event.,” said Brazilian Karate Star.

“It’s a day that I will never remember.”

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