A massive press conference celebrated at the Kition Athletic Centre in Larnaca kicked off the 2024 Karate 1 Series A in the Cypriot city. The event was attended by many sports and local officials and celebrated the fusion of Karate excellence and international camaraderie.

With WKF President Antonio Espinós in attendance, the press conference was headlined by the President of the Cyprus Karate Federation Andreas Vasilieou, who steered the proceedings. The Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli, and the President of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Yannis Ioannou also headed the event.

The speakers highlighted the positive impact of the Karate 1 Series A event on the local community and its potential to inspire the next generation of karate enthusiasts, both in Cyprus and all over the world. The collaboration between Cyprus and the international karate community was on full display, setting the stage for an event that promised to be not only competitive but also a celebration of unity and Karate values. The attendees stressed that the tournament had attracted close to 1,000 athletes from 83 countries.

WKF President Antonio Espinós said:

“Our ultimate goal is to add value to our athletes and competitors through our ever-growing international events, guaranteeing them the best conditions on a level playing field. This event has been graced by the presence of hundreds of athletes from five continents, a testament to the popularity and global influence of our sport, and we have been able to succeed due to the increasing excellence of our events and the competence of local organisers, as is the case of the Cyprus Karate Federation. The international Karate community highly values and appreciates the outstanding efforts of the Cyprus Karate Federation and its president, Andreas Vasileou for hosting this event and for giving Cyprus Karate exactly what the sport needs.”

Officials and representatives of National Federations pose after the press conference.

Meanwhile, Mr Vasileou highlighted the successful organisation of Karate events in the country despite the limited resources, events that include three Karate 1-Youth League, the EKF age-group Championships and two Karate 1-Series A events.

In addition to the officials headlining the event, the press conference also had Karate 1 Series A Supervisor Dominique Sigillo, ambassadors and representatives from the embassies of Switzerland, Hungary, Japan, Jordan, and Egypt, members of the Cypriot Parliament Prodromos Alabridis, and Christos Orphanidis, former president of the Cyprus Sports Organisation Andreas Michaelidis, Executive Committee Members of the Cyprus Karate Federation and representatives from various National Federations among others attending the event.

 (Top picture: From left to right: Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hatzimanoli, President of the Cyprus Karate Federation Andreas Vasilieou, President of the Cypriot Sports Organisation Yannis Ioannou, and WKF President Antonio Espinós)

The President of the Cyprus Karate Federation Andreas Vasilieou handed out a recognition to WKF President Antonio Espinós.

The President of the Cyprus Karate Federation Andreas Vasilieou and WKF President Antonio Espinós.

Officials graced the press conference with their presence.

Family picture of officials and sports representatives at Kition Athletic Centre.