AKF executive committee meeting in Fujairah shapes the future of karate in Asia

On the sidelines of the 2026 Karate Youth World League, Fujairah hosted a high-level meeting of the Asian Karate Federation (AKF) Executive Committee at Fujairah Creative City.

The meeting, held in conjunction with the championship events, highlighted the UAE’s fast-growing reputation as a regional and international sporting hub and its influential role in advancing karate across the Asian continent.

The meeting was chaired by Major General (Ret.) Nasser Abdulrazzaq Al Razooqi, President of both the Asian and UAE Karate Federations and Vice President of the World Karate Federation (WKF). WKF President Antonio Espinos and members of the AKF Executive Committee were also in attendance to discuss the sport’s most pressing issues and long-term development goals in Asia.

Committee members reviewed the trajectory of karate across Asia in recent years, evaluating the sport’s growth and discussing preparations for major upcoming competitions.

Major General Al Razooqi noted that discussions centered on elevating the federation’s operational framework and expanding the sport’s reach. The committee also reviewed the AKF’s agenda, assessed key achievements from 2025, and examined the championship calendars for 2026 and 2027—steps aimed at ensuring the sustained development of karate throughout the region.

WKF President Espinos expressed strong optimism for karate’s future in Asia, describing the continent as a driving force behind the sport’s global popularity. He praised Major General Al Razooqi’s leadership and his pivotal role in steering karate’s ongoing evolution.

Rashid Abdulmajeed Al Ali, Vice President of the UAE and Asian Karate Federations and WKF Executive Committee member, revealed that the meeting produced several key decisions and recommendations. These included discussions on hosting the 2026 and 2027 youth and junior championships, the Asian Youth Championship, and a review of preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in Japan and the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games scheduled this year in Saudi Arabia. The committee also examined files from countries bidding to host future events.

The meeting further approved updates to several continental committees and welcomed new members. International referee Jaber Jassim was appointed Vice Chairman of the AKF Referees Committee.

The Asian Karate Federation continues to implement ambitious strategies in cooperation with the World Karate Federation, with the goal of expanding participation and enhancing technical and administrative performance — reinforcing karate’s status as a leading sport in Asia and worldwide.