The Mediterranean Karate Federations Union (MKFU) held its Executive Committee and Congress meetings in Olbia, Italy, during the 2024 Mediterranean Karate Championships. The meetings, held in conjunction with the highly anticipated championships, provided an opportunity for key discussions on the development of karate across the Mediterranean region.
The meetings were chaired by MKFU President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, alongside Davide Benetello, President of the Karate Sector of the Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FJLKAM) and a member of the WKF Executive Committee and had the World Karate Federation (WKF) President, Antonio Espinós also in attendance. The sessions welcomed high-level representatives from various national federation members of the MKFU, reinforcing the commitment to the continued growth and success of karate in the Mediterranean.
The primary focus of the meetings was to review the progress of karate development in the region. Officials evaluated recent events, such as the Mediterranean Karate Championships, and discussed the strategic plans for upcoming competitions, including the 2025 edition of the Mediterranean Championships to be held in Alexandria, Egypt, and the Mediterranean Games, scheduled to take place in 2026 in Taranto, Italy.
WKF President Antonio Espinós said after the meeting:
*”I want to thank the MKFU for their tireless efforts in delivering first-class karate events, such as the one we are witnessing this week in Olbia. Their commitment to the sport ensures that our athletes and federations have more opportunities to grow karate across the Mediterranean region. I look forward to seeing the continued development and the exciting upcoming events”.
Representatives of the MKFU also had the opportunity to gather again at the awarding ceremony of the event in Olbia. The President of the Karate Sector of the Italian Federation of Judo, Wrestling, Karate, and Martial Arts (FJLKAM) and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello and WKF President, Antonio Espinós were honoured by the MKFU and its president Bechir Cherif.
Top picture: Representatives of the federation members of the MKFU together with WKF President Antonio Espinós (centre) after the congress
The Congress of the MKFU discussed the next events of the organisation.
From left to right: EKF General Secretary and MKFU Vice President Davor Cipek, the President of the Karate Sector of FJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello, MKFU Executive Committee member Stavrianidis Stavros, WKF President Antonio Espinós, MKFU President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif, MKFU Secretary General Andreas Vasileiou, and MKFU Treasurer General Mohey Eldin Mohammed.
The President of the Karate Sector of FJLKAM and WKF Executive Committee member Davide Benetello is honoured by MKFU President and WKF Vice President Bechir Cherif.
