The Executive Committee of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) met in Fujairah, UAE, on the sidelines of the Karate 1 Youth League event held this past weekend. Chaired by AKF President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, the meeting had WKF President Antonio Espinós in attendance and brought together key stakeholders of the sport in the continent.

The central focus of the meeting was a comprehensive review of the current state of karate in Asia. Recognizing the sport's popularity and growth in the continent, the AKF’s Executive Committee discussed strategic initiatives to strengthen the foundation of karate both at the senior and grassroots levels.

The gathering also served to highlight the many opportunities for the development of the sport in the continent, mainly at the upcoming major international events in the region, including the AKF age-group Championships to be held in Manila (Philippines) in August and the AKF Senior Championships scheduled to be held in September in Hangzhou (China).

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“Asia has become a powerhouse in the world of karate, with dedicated practitioners and enthusiasts contributing to the sport's thriving community; the vibrant discussions and strategic insights shared during the meeting reaffirmed the significant growth and popularity of karate in the continent.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to AKF President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi for his unwavering support and valuable contributions to the progress of karate in Asia and around the world. Major General Alrazooqi's leadership has not only strengthened the AKF but has also had a profound impact on the global karate landscape.”

With no less than 76 countries represented, the Karate 1-Youth League Fujairah showcased the tremendous popularity of Karate at young ages, both in Asia and worldwide. 

(Top picture: The Executive Committee of the Asian Karate Federation, from left to right (Standing): AKF CEO Vincent Chen (MAS), AKF EC Member Zhang Zhi (CHN), AKF EC Member Bharat Sharma (IND), AKF EC Member Darly Siregar (INA), AKF 2^nd Vice President Rashid Al Ali (UAE), AKF 1^st Vice President Allam Mulljaev (UZB), AKF EC Member Dr. Mushrif Alshehri (KSA),  AKF EC Member Manar Shaath (JOR), AKF EC Member Dr Adel Aidan Ghailan (IRQ), AKF EC Member Vu Son Ha (VIE). Seating: WKF President Antonio Espinós and AKF President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi

WKF President Antonio Espinós and AKF President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi headed the meeting.

WKF President Antonio Espinós and AKF President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi at the AKF Executive Committee meeting.

From left to right: AKF Treasury officer Mahmoud Elsayed (UAE), AKF EC Member Bharat Sharma (IND), AKF EC Member Zhang Zhi (CHN), AKF 2^nd Vice President Rashid Al Ali (UAE), AKF 1^st Vice President Allam Mulljaev (UZB), WKF President Antonio Espinos, AKF President and WKF Vice President Major General Nasser Alrazooqi, AKF CEO Vincent Chen (MAS), AKF EC Member Vu Son Ha (VIE), AKF EC Member Dr Adel Aidan Ghailan (IRQ), AKF EC Member Dr. Mushrif Alshehri (KSA),  and AKF EC Member Manar Shaath (JOR)