The 2025 Karate 1-Premier League was officially inaugurated in Hangzhou with a spectacular opening ceremony that showcased the excellence of karate and the outstanding organisation of Chinese karate. The event, hosted by the Chinese Karate Association and the Linping District, welcomed dignitaries, athletes, and officials from around the world in a magnificent event that marked the official start of the competition and the many values of the sport.

With Karate gaining rapid popularity, the event served as a testament to the country's commitment to developing high-level competitions and fostering elite talent. The attendance of World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós and top sports officials from the region reinforced the significance of this event on the global karate calendar.

In addition to Mr Espinós, the ceremony had the secretary of the CPC Hangzhou Linping District Committee Chen Rugen, the president of the Chinese Karate Association Zhang Zhi, the Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee Liu Guoyong, the Deputy Major of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government Chen Weiqiang, the Director-General of Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province Jin Zhi in attendance, among many other representatives.  

WKF President Antonio Espinós praised the Chinese Karate Association for its exceptional organisation, stating, "The dedication and professionalism of the Chinese Karate Association, brilliantly headed by Mr Zhang Zhi have once again delivered a world-class event. The progress of karate in China has been nothing short of extraordinary, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. I want to express my gratitude to the organisers and local authorities for their support in making this competition a great success."

As the competition unfolds, Hangzhou solidifies its place as a key hub for international karate. The second edition of the Karate 1-Premier League in the city promises thrilling matches, elite performances, and a continued push to elevate the sport in China and beyond.

From left to right: Yang Yingying, director of the Hangzhou Sports Bureau; Chen Weiqiang, Deputy Major of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government, Jin Zhi, Director-General of Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province; Zhang Xin, Director-General of Competitive Sports Department of the General Administration of Sport of China; WKF President Antonio Espinós; Liu Guoyong, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee; Zhang Zhi, Director-General of Boxing and Taekwondo Administration Centre of the General Administration of Sport of China and President of the Chinese Karate Association; Zhou Xuyin, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Hangzhou Liping District Committee and District Mayor of Linping District People’s Government; and Wang Yanqin, member of the standing Committee of CPC Hangzhou  Linping District Committee and Deputy District Mayor of Linping District People’s Government.

WKF President Antonio Espinós with Chen Weiqiang, Deputy Major of Hangzhou Municipal People’s Government

WKF President Antonio Espinós hands a recognition to Jin Zhi, Director-General of Sport Bureau of Zhejiang Province.

Mr Liu Guoyong, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, receives a recognition from WKF President Antonio Espinós.

The opening ceremony featured a spectacular team karate demonstration.

Mr Liu Guoyong, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Sport of China and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee

WKF President Antonio Espinós during the opening ceremony

Zhang Zhi, Director-General of the Boxing and Taekwondo Administration Centre of the General Administration of Sport of China and President of the Chinese Karate Association

 Full house during the opening Ceremony.

All the countries represented at the event.

The officials pose at the opening ceremony of #Karate1Hangzhou.