In an exclusive interview with Al-Ahram Weekly, Antonio Espinos, president of the World Karate Federation (WKF), told Abeer Anwar that Egypt deserved it. “It is a strong candidate. It is a leading federation in Africa and in the whole world. The level, the structure, the organisation and the leadership of Egyptian karate says it all, so we could not miss Egypt, the most prominent federation in Africa to hold such an event. I am very happy that it went to Egypt and happier because I am watching their success right now.” “We started the Premier League in 2012 so this is the fourth edition, and as an international federation we wanted to expand the sport and we wanted the event to reach all countries and the various continents. “This time it is Egypt in Africa, then it will move to South America, in Sao Paolo in Brazil in May, then Istanbul, Turkey and Hanau, Germany -- both in September -- then to Salzburg in Austria in October and Asia in Okinawa in Japan. “The idea of the Premier League originated from the idea that the top karate players were lacking competition and contact with their peers and opponents as we had only the continental championship on an annual basis and the World Championship every two years. So the competition was not enough for the athletes. “Thus we decided at the WKF that this Premier League gives these athletes an opportunity to compete eight times a year, always preparing themselves and training in order to compete. It also gives the opportunity for the federations all over the world to have a chance to organise such a league. It will boost the activity level.” As for karate being included as an Olympic sport, Espinos said, “We are fighting hard with the International Olympic Committee to be there in the 2020 in Tokyo as Japan has the right to add five sports as it is the host. So we are working with the Japanese Karate Federation and I think we have a good chance of including karate as one of these sports.” “As for the Sharm El-Sheikh Premier League, I think it is fantastic. It is also good to see such dignitaries coming to attend the opening ceremony and support the game. Also the recognition of the leadership in Egypt to this event is great as it is held under the auspices of Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb. It is a very good sign and a healthy one.” “We draw up the WKF calendar of events on a yearly basis, during May, and I myself will invite the Egyptian Karate Federation to host one of the series of Premier League events after the success in organising this one. “I think we have taken the right decision and I hope to come here again in Sharm El-Sheikh next year for the same event.”
