Representatives of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) met in Birmingham, UK during the first day of the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit to analyse different ways of cooperation.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant General Secretary of the WKF, Davor Cipek, and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Secretary General Nasser Majali, alongside Strategy & Programmes Director Mazen Diab and Senior Project Manager Tony Tarraf.

The primary focus of the discussion was the coordination and synergies between the WKF and ISSA for the successful execution of the Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2025. Both parties acknowledged the importance of fostering unity and inclusivity through sports, emphasising the significance of karate as a bridge between cultures and communities.

Moreover, the meeting delved into non-sporting initiatives, such as the WKF’s Guardian Girls programme, aimed at empowering young girls through karate, and the ISSA’s rebranded approach and organisational strategy.

Karate’s inclusion as a compulsory sport for the Islamic Solidarity Games reflects its popularity and widespread participation across the ISSA’s 57-member National Olympic Committees. Building upon the success of the karate competition at the Konya 2022 edition of the Games, its presence at Riyadh 2025 is poised to further enhance the event's appeal and impact.

WKF Assistant General Secretary Davor Cipek (left) and the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Secretary General Nasser Majali