The European Karate Federation (EKF) First Vice President Jiri Bocek represented the sport of karate at the EU Sport Forum 2025, held this year in Krakow, Poland.
The EU Sport Forum, organized annually by the European Commission, is the leading platform for shaping sports policy at the European level. It brings together key figures from sports institutions, organizations, and governments to discuss the future of sport in Europe.
As one of the most popular sports across Europe, especially among young people, karate continues to play an important role in the continent’s sports ecosystem. Mr. Bocek, who also serves as a member of the Executive Committee of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and as President of the Czech Karate Federation, took part in discussions on the growth, challenges, and opportunities for karate in Europe. During the forum, he met with high-level sports officials, including EU Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef, to underline karate’s value as an inclusive, accessible, and modern sport.
WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós praised Mr. Bocek’s contribution:
“I would like to thank Mr. Jiri Bocek for his outstanding work in representing karate at the EU Sport Forum 2025. His presence at such a key event shows our commitment to promoting the values of karate—respect, perseverance, and inclusion—at the highest levels of European sports policy. Karate has a strong foundation in Europe, and with leaders like Mr. Bocek, we are confident in its continued growth.”
As karate continues to engage more athletes, clubs, and national federations, the EKF and WKF remain focused on supporting its development and ensuring its strong presence in future EU sport initiatives.
EKF Vice President Jiri Bocek (right) with EU Commissioner for Sport, Glenn Micallef.