The World Karate Federation extends our warmest congratulations to Kirsty Coventry on being elected as the new President of the International Olympic Committee.

As a sport deeply rooted in respect, discipline, and perseverance – values that align closely with the Olympic ideals – the World Karate Federation is deeply committed to Olympism and the IOC’s mission to unite and inspire the world through sport.

Karate has more than 100 million athletes in our global community and more than 300 million followers worldwide. We are proud to be an IOC-recognised International Sports Federation and look forward to contributing to the impact of the Olympic Movement under the IOC’s new leadership, particularly as we look ahead to the potential opportunities presented by Brisbane 2032.

WKF President Antonio Espinós, said:

"I would like to congratulate President-Elect Kirsty Coventry on her election victory. At the WKF we share her commitment to global engagement, inclusion and sport for future generations. Karate is enjoyed – and practised – by many young people, and the values of Olympism burn bright within our hundreds of millions of practitioners and followers worldwide. We look forward to working with the new IOC President and their team to maximise our sport’s impact and contribution to the Olympic Movement in the years ahead through the return of Karate to the Olympic Programme.”