The Executive Committee of the SEAKF were accompanied by President Espinós ©WKF

World Karate Federation (WKF) President Antonio Espinós visited the Philippines for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and reaffirmed his commitment to the region, supporting development plans for karate in one of the fastest-growing areas in the world.

Espinós met the sport's main stakeholders in the country, having been welcomed by Philippines Karate Federation President Richard Anthony Lim.

Espinós also met with Philippines Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino and Philippines Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez.

As part of the visit, the WKF President participated in the meeting of the Executive Committee of the Southeast of Asia Karata Federation (SEAKF), accompanied by WKF general-secretary Toshihisa Nagura.

Also in attendance were Asian Karate Federation (AKF) general-secretary Che Kuong Im and AKF vice-president Rashid Al-Ali.

From left to right: Philippines Karate Federation President Richard Anthony Lim, the Philippines Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, WKF President Antonio Espinós and Philippines Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez ©WKF
From left to right: Philippines Karate Federation President Richard Anthony Lim, the Philippines Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, WKF President Antonio Espinós and Philippines Sports Commissioner Ramon Fernandez ©WKF

It was headed by SEAKF President Tan Sri Senator Mohd Ali Bin Mohd Rustam.

The head of karate's international governing body focused on the importance of South-eastern Asian nations in the sport's progress.

"We have a clear vision for the future that includes the development of the sport in the group of nations that are part of the Southeast of Asia Karate Federation," Espinós said.  

"We at the WKF look forward to working closely with the national federations of SEAKF to ensure that this cooperation leads to significant growth of Karate here."