Sports Management reports Antonio Espinos, president of the World Karate Federation (WKF), has been urged to resign immediately after the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board failed to shortlist the sport in its bid for inclusion in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
According to the UK’s National Association of Karate and Martial Arts Schools (NAKMAS), non-inclusive rules imposed by the sport’s international governing body was a key reason for karate being overlooked by the IOC.
Sports Management reports NAKMAS chair Joe Ellis said that a complete management overhaul was needed at the WKF, including the resignation of Espinos, to bring about fresh leadership that will help to raise the sport’s international profile.
Ellis said, “the IOC states inclusiveness and good governance are criteria Olympic qualification, but WKF’s rules state that member clubs of the WKF cannot have links with non-members, which in my view is anything but inclusive and goes against the equality policies that sport demands.
“While NAKMAS and other national governing bodies have embraced equality and inclusion initiatives, the WKF have sadly failed, and that means karate will not get the global recognition it deserves on the Olympic state. It’s time for change”.
Rugby union sevens and golf were shortlisted for inclusion in the 2016 Games, to be voted on by the IOC in October.
