WKF and UFAK Showcase Karate to IOC President in Dakar
WKF and UFAK Showcase Karate to IOC President Kirsty Coventry at Dakar 2026
The visit of International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry to the karate presentation during the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games represents an important moment for the international promotion of karate and highlights the work carried out by the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK).
On 1 November 2026, karate took centre stage during its Focus Day at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal. IOC President Kirsty Coventry attended the presentation, where she witnessed demonstrations of kata and kumite performed by athletes from the Senegalese national team.
WKF Leadership Driving International Promotion
Under the leadership of WKF President Antonio Espinós, the World Karate Federation continues to strengthen the international visibility of karate, promote its sporting values and demonstrate its contribution to youth development and social inclusion.
The Dakar 2026 presentation offered an opportunity to showcase not only the technical and competitive dimensions of karate but also its wider social impact, particularly through the participation of children from SOS Children’s Villages Senegal.
This initiative reflects the WKF's commitment to making karate accessible to young people and using sport as a tool for education, inclusion and personal development.
UFAK's Contribution to Promoting African Karate
The involvement of UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, who also serves as a member of the WKF Executive Committee, was particularly significant in this important international gathering.
His presence alongside the WKF delegation helped highlight the development of karate in Africa and reinforce the continent's place within the international karate community.
Through its leadership and ongoing collaboration with the WKF, the UFAK continues to support initiatives that promote African karate, strengthen its international recognition and create opportunities for the continent's athletes and federations.
A Strong Message to the Olympic Movement
The visit of IOC President Kirsty Coventry provided an important opportunity to demonstrate the values, universal appeal and social contribution of karate.
For African karate, this moment also reflects the importance of close cooperation between the continental and international federations in advancing the sport's visibility and development.
The UFAK acknowledges the sustained efforts of WKF President Antonio Espinós and his team, as well as the contribution of President Souleymane Gaye, in promoting karate and strengthening its presence within the Olympic movement.
Dakar 2026 stands as an important showcase of what WKF and UFAK cooperation can achieve for the future of karate, particularly across the African continent.
