WKF President Antonio Espinós visited EFE news agency headquarters in Madrid, where he reviewed the current state of Karate and analysed the upcoming challenges and opportunities for the ancient discipline. The inclusion of Karate in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the resulting situation for the sport was top of the agenda, as was the preparation ahead of the imminent 2016 Karate World Championships to be held in Linz (Austria) from October 25-30.

WKF President Antonio Espinós visited EFE news agency headquarters in Madrid, where he reviewed the current state of Karate and analysed the upcoming challenges and opportunities for the ancient discipline. The inclusion of Karate in the programme of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and the resulting situation for the sport was top of the agenda, as was the preparation ahead of the imminent 2016 Karate World Championships to be held in Linz (Austria) from October 25-30.

In the interview that was conducted at the centre of operations of the Spanish news agency, Mr. Espinós evaluated the superb position of Karate as a major force in international sports following the historic decision that occurred in Rio de Janeiro on August 3rd. The head of the World Karate Federation also made a detailed explanation of the agenda of the governing body to further develop the sport through the expansion of its flagship international competitions, such as the Karate 1.

Among many other topics, the WKF President spoke on the positive sentiment and the high expectations around the big event of the year to take place in Linz (Austria) in two weeks. The forthcoming World Championships are regarded as an opportunity to showcase Karate’s spectacular competitive nature. Mr. Espinós also reviewed his tenure as head of the Karate governing body, and his reelection to continue leading the WKF for the next six years to be voted by the Congress to be held in Linz.

“It is always an honour to meet the highly valued professionals responsible for transmitting and bringing to the public the latest news of our discipline. Their coverage is integral to our goal of expanding the many values of Karate among all segments of society. I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks for their hard work,” declared Mr. Espinós.

The WKF President held these meetings as part of a growth strategy to strengthen the relationship with major media outlets to benefit Karate and the development of the sport in the long term.