A delegation of the World Karate Federation headlined by General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura visited Dakar to strengthen the relations of Karate’s international governing body in Senegal and to discuss future projects of the sport in the country. 

A delegation of the World Karate Federation headlined by General Secretary Toshihisa Nagura visited Dakar to strengthen the relations of Karate’s international governing body in Senegal and to discuss future projects of the sport in the country. 

Alongside WKF Assistant General Treasurer Souleymane Gaye and the Senegal Karate Federation president Mouhamed El Moctar Diop, Mr Nagura met top officials of the Senegalese National Olympic Committee, as well as the Deputy Ambassador of Japan in Senegal, the Senegal's Minister of Sports and the Director of High Level Competition in the African country, among other sport representatives. 

The Senegalese National Olympic Committee General Secretary Seydina Omar Diagne welcomed Mr Nagura at the headquarters of the organisation. The two officials discussed the ongoing fruitful relations with the National Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Sports and the Senegal Karate Federation. Future projects were analysed and a protocol was evaluated to contribute to the progress of the national federation ahead of the upcoming challenges for the organisation. 

The WKF delegation together with Mr Omar Diagne and the National Olympic Committee vice-president Issa MBoup visited the Japanese Embassy in Dakar where they were received by the Deputy Ambassador Keiko Egusa. Meetings were also held in Dakar with the Minister of Sports Matar Ba. The Director of High-Level Competition Souleymane Boune Daouda Diop and the National Olympic Committee General Treasurer Babacar Makhtar Wade also participated at the gatherings. 

The WKF representatives highlighted the positive outcome of the meetings and were delighted to attest that the new projects aim to extend the progress of the sport in the country. 

“Africa is hugely important for us with its 49 member federations. We are committed to continuing supporting UFAK countries, and the development projects in Senegal are the best example of our intentions. The growing influence and impact that our sport has in Senegal make us very optimistic about the future of Karate in the region,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós.   

(Picture: WKF officials during the visit to the Japanese Embassy in Dakar)