WKF and USAKF Working On Karate Rejoining 2028 Olympics
While karate isn’t going to be included in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the World Karate Federation and USA Karate officials are discussion a path to inclusion for 2028 which are set to take place in Los Angeles, California. The two organizations met over a video conference, which is part and parcel with the times we are in today. WKF President Antonio Espinos took part of the talk along with Sara Wolff, Francisco Alegrete Elisa Au and Tohihisa Nagura, all represented the WKF. Au, who is also on the US Karate board, was joined by Rahul Bawa and Phil Hampel.
Karate at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
While no final decisions were made, Espinos says that the foundation has been made for a dialogue to get karate back into the Olympic Games, where he believes it belongs.
“We are going to put all our efforts and work to obtain karate’s inclusion in the programme of LA 2028,” Espinos said.
Echoing what he’s said in the past, Espinos says that he believes that karate will make the Games of 2028 a better event. “We are convinced that karate deserves to be an Olympic sport and we are confident that karate can bring great added value to the programme of LA 2028.”
Going forward, Espinos is simply grateful to the USAKF and Rahul Bawa for continuing to work on this issue that, if fixed, would make the sport of karate that much better. He says, “I would like to thank the USAKF officials headed by Rahul Bawa for their contribution and unyielding support.”
Antonio Espinos left off with a message of optimism. Working with the USAKF, he believes that success is only a matter of putting in the work. “I am sure that together we will achieve great success.”
While the International Olympic Committee has selected a 28-sport programme for 2028, there’s time for karate and other sports to make their way back to the Games. While boxing is a sport not included, it has a potential path back as set by the IOC, karate and the WKF have an uphill battle to get back to the glory that is the Olympic Games.
Stay posted to My MMA News for all the latest news on karate and the WKF’s mission to get karate back into the Olympics.
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In addition to covering thoughts about the sport of MMA, Blaine Henry, the author, also analyzes fights from all combat sports across the globe.
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