World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós traveled to Larnaca for the second Karate 1-Series A event of the 2025 season. During his visit, he met with the President of the Cyprus Sports Organization, Yannis Ioannou, and the organization’s Vice President, Kalli Hadjiosif. These key meetings were managed by the President of the Cyprus Karate Federation, Andreas Vasileiou.

The discussions highlighted the continued support of Cyprus’s sports leadership for karate, reinforcing the sport’s significance in the region. Over the years, strong backing from national officials has helped Larnaca become a central hub for international karate events. The city has successfully hosted three consecutive editions of the Karate 1-Series A in 2023, 2024, and 2025, along with the 2023 EKF Cadet, Junior & U21 Championships. Additionally, Cyprus has welcomed Karate 1-Youth League events in Limassol in 2022, 2021, and 2019, further strengthening its position in the sport.

Following the meetings, WKF President Antonio Espinós expressed his gratitude to Cyprus’s sports authorities for their commitment to karate.

“I want to sincerely thank Mr. Ioannou and Mrs. Hadjiosif for their unwavering support of our sport. Their dedication has been instrumental in karate’s continued growth in Cyprus and the celebration of major Karate events in the country. I also extend my appreciation to Mr. Vasileiou, whose leadership and passion for karate have been vital in making Cyprus a key destination for international competitions, and for the progress of the sport in the region and around the world,” said Mr. Espinós.

CELEBRATION OF KARATE AT OFFICIAL PRESS CONFERENCE

The commemoration of karate’s unity and growth was further emphasised at the official press conference of the event, held on Friday at Kition Athletic Centre in Larnaca. The press conference was led by WKF President Antonio Espinós and hosted by Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou. It brought together representatives from the international karate community and National Federations, highlighting the sport's strong presence in Cyprus and its bright future.

“It is amazing that a federation like the Cyprus Karate Federation manages to host every year a brilliant activity of the World Karate Federation such as this Karate 1-Series A, with over 1000 athletes from 85 countries attending. President Andreas Vasileiou, thank you for all you do for Karate and now it is time to think about your legacy, the intangible thing you will leave behind. You are the right person to do it and I am sure that you will continue bringing great success for Cyprus and for Karate,” said Mr Espinós.

(Top picture: From left to right: Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou, the president of the Cyprus Sports Organization Yiannos Ioannou , WKF President Antonio Espinós, the member of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Sports Organization Alkis Galatopoulos, and the member of the Executive Committee of the Cyprus Karate Federation Sotiris Zenonos.

Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou, and WKF President Antonio Espinós with Cyprus Sports Organization Vice President, Kalli Hadjiosif.

WKF President Antonio Espinós receives a recognition from Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou.

Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou, and WKF President Antonio Espinós at the opening press conference.

Cyprus Karate Federation President Andreas Vasileiou, and WKF President Antonio Espinós recognise the accomplishments of top Cypriot athletes Loizos Vasileiou and Anna Michaelidou.