Karate and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games: Collective Mobilisation Is Needed

A collective effort for the future of karate in the Olympic Movement

Karate experienced a historic milestone with its inclusion in the Olympic programme at Tokyo 2020. Although the sport was subsequently absent from the programmes of Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028, the global karate community continues to work towards new opportunities for karate within the Olympic Movement.

With Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, the coming period represents an important opportunity for the international karate community to demonstrate the strength, universality and development of the discipline.

The process for the inclusion of sports in the Olympic programme involves a detailed evaluation of several criteria, including integrity, fairness, sustainability, safety, global appeal, organisational complexity, cost and athlete representation. These criteria underline the importance of presenting a strong and comprehensive case for karate.

A globally represented sport

The World Karate Federation (WKF), under the leadership of its President Antonio Espinós, brings together national federations from across the five continents, demonstrating the international reach of karate.

The 2025 World Championships in Cairo provided a further illustration of this global presence, with athletes representing 88 nations. The Para Karate competition also brought together 117 athletes from 32 countries, highlighting the sport's international reach and commitment to inclusion.

These figures demonstrate the broad geographical representation of karate and the capacity of the sport to bring together athletes and communities from different regions of the world.

WKF leadership and international cooperation

Under the leadership of WKF President Antonio Espinós, the World Karate Federation continues to work towards strengthening the position of karate within the Olympic Movement.

The WKF has been developing its international engagement and presenting the sport's development from sporting, social and commercial perspectives. This work provides an important foundation for National and Continental Federations.

The Olympic ambition of karate, however, requires the involvement of the entire karate family. Every National and Continental Federation has an important role to play in supporting this collective effort and communicating the value, development and contribution of karate within its respective region.

UFAK's role in Africa

Under the leadership of UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, the African Karate Union is committed to strengthening the development, organisation and visibility of karate throughout the African continent.

UFAK, which brings together African National Karate Federations, has a responsibility to communicate the importance of the Brisbane 2032 opportunity and encourage coordinated action among its member federations.

President Souleymane Gaye and the UFAK leadership continue to promote cooperation among African federations and to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the structures, activities and international visibility of African karate.

African federations can contribute by strengthening dialogue with their National Olympic Committees, relevant government authorities and sports institutions, while ensuring that the development and achievements of karate in their countries are properly documented and communicated.

This collective approach can help present a clear and coherent picture of the contribution of karate to sport, education, youth development and social participation across Africa.

Every National Federation has a role

The road towards Brisbane 2032 requires coordinated action at every level.

National Federations are encouraged to:

• Engage with their National Olympic Committees regarding the importance of karate within the Olympic Movement;
• Seek institutional support from relevant sports and government authorities;
• Collect and communicate reliable national data on karate participation, including athletes, clubs and development programmes;
• Share official WKF and UFAK communication to strengthen the visibility and consistency of the international initiative;
• Highlight the educational, social and developmental contribution of karate;
• Continue investing in athletes, coaches, referees, officials and youth development.

The strength of African karate is built not only through international championships, but also through continuous development at national, regional and continental levels.

A collective vision for African karate

The Brisbane 2032 perspective provides an opportunity for the karate community to reinforce its unity and cooperation.

For UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, the development of African karate is based on collective responsibility and continued cooperation among National Federations, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, administrators, partners and the wider karate community.

The work carried out under the leadership of President Gaye complements the broader efforts of the WKF under President Antonio Espinós, creating a framework in which African karate can contribute actively to the international development and visibility of the sport.

Every federation can contribute to this process by strengthening its structures, developing its athletes and officials, improving its national programmes and promoting the values of karate.

The future of karate within the Olympic Movement is a collective endeavour. The efforts made today — through development, cooperation, communication and institutional engagement — can contribute to strengthening the position of karate internationally.

Brisbane 2032: Preparing today

Brisbane 2032 is not only a future Olympic deadline. It is also an opportunity to continue developing karate today.

UFAK President Souleymane Gaye, together with the UFAK leadership, calls on all African National Karate Federations to remain engaged, united and proactive in supporting the development and international visibility of karate.

At the international level, the continued work of WKF President Antonio Espinós and the World Karate Federation provides an important framework for this collective effort.

Together, federation by federation and country by country, the African karate community can contribute to building a stronger future for the sport.

Brisbane 2032 is being prepared today.

African Karate Union (UFAK)
In support of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and its President, Antonio Espinós