Antonio Espinós, President of both the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the European Karate Federation, has reiterated an unwavering belief that karate “belongs at the Games.” Despite its absence from the 2024 Paris Olympic program, the discipline remains firmly in his sights for future inclusion .
A Rocky Road
Karate made its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, welcomed as a temporary inclusion aimed at engaging stadium audiences and youth viewers. However, it was not retained when Paris 2024’s lineup was confirmed, leading to disappointment among karate practitioners worldwide .
Espinós publicly criticized what he saw as inconsistencies in the IOC’s selection process, which seemed to devalue reach in favor of “new and trendy” sports. He reinforced that karate not only enriches the Games but continues to grow globally, with WKF representing over 190 countries and an estimated 100 million participants .
Why Karate Matters
Espinós painted a holistic vision for karate—not just as a combat sport but as a fountain of youth development, mental resilience, and cultural transmission. He emphasized that, as a traditional martial art with deep roots in respect and discipline, karate fosters character-building across age groups.
He also highlighted practical gains: Olympic inclusion would unlock government funding globally, especially in developing nations where only Olympic sports receive substantial support. That, in turn, would facilitate infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots expansion .
Next Stop: LA 2028
With karate sidelined from Paris 2024, Espinós insists it’s now a contest for inclusion in Los Angeles 2028—and beyond. He’s confident that with the right backing, karate can reclaim its Olympic stage. His message is clear:
“Karate is already part of the Olympic movement—it just hasn’t yet returned to the Games.”
What This Means for the Karate Community
| Takeaway | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚠️ Short-Term Setback | Karate fans must await a new Olympic opportunity—likely LA 2028. |
| 🏛️ Strategic Advantage | Espinós believes karate’s global reach and core values make it a strong contender for re-selection. |
| 🌱 Grassroots Growth | Olympic-style funding could revolutionize training and accessibility, especially in countries where karate isn’t yet funded. |
| 🛎️ The Call to Arms | Now is the moment for federations, clubs, and athletes to campaign, promote, and unify behind the Olympic push. |
Ultimately, despite the Paris omission, Antonio Espinós remains resolute. For him and many within WKF, karate’s Olympic journey is far from over—it’s entering its next chapter.