“World Karate President Espinos Shows Support for 13th African Games in Ghana”

Mr. Antonio Espinos, the President of the World Karate Federation (WKF), held a media briefing in Accra to announce his presence and express full support for the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the 13th African Games. Commending the Ghana Karate Do Federation and the 26 participating countries, Espinos emphasized the significance of the African Games as a crucial international competition and anticipated outstanding performances.

While noting Karate’s aspiration for Olympic recognition, Espinos highlighted the numerous international championships available for athletes and expressed the goal of making Karate one of the premier sports globally.

Monsieur Souleymane Gaye, President of the African Karate Federation, revealed that 48 nations, with at least 250 athletes, would converge in Accra for the sports festival. He acknowledged the strength of nations like Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia while highlighting the emergence of rising countries like Senegal, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Ghana. Gaye emphasized the federation’s focus on sport development through regional championships and referee seminars.

Mr. Nathaniel Johnson, President of the Ghana Karate Do Federation, described the Accra 2023 African Games as historic and unique, uniting Africans through sports. The WKF conducted a technical meeting for the 13th African Games, attended by various executives.

Team Ghana, comprising 10 male athletes and one female, is eager to compete and win medals at the Bukom Boxing Arena. The African Games, hosting over 5000 athletes across 23 disciplines, will take place in Accra from March 4 to 23, 2024. The Karate competition is scheduled for March 7 to 9, featuring various categories and culminating in Male and Female Team Kumite on the final day.