Karate World Championships postponed due to coronavirus

The World Karate Federation approved Monday the postponement of the next Karate World Championships due to the uncertain situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic, WKF said.

The 25th edition of the global event had been scheduled for November 17-22, 2020. The championships will now be celebrated from November 16 to 21, 2021. Azerbaijani karate fighters will also compete in the tournament.

Karate's managing body decided to reschedule the upcoming World Championships after intense negotiations and discussion with the local organizers and the local authorities.

"It has not been an easy decision, but an event of the magnitude and relevance of our World Championships could not be celebrated with enough guarantees as scheduled, due to current circumstances. It is the first time in our World Championships' 50 years of history that we will not celebrate one edition of our biggest event in its running season. However, I am sure that the tournament in 2021 will continue the outstanding progress of our World Championships and that a new and thrilling chapter of our history will be written next year in Dubai", said WKF President Antonio Espinós.

The last edition of the Karate World Championships was held in Madrid (Spain) in 2018. Nearly 1200 athletes from 131 countries participated in the event in a record-breaking tally of participation in the most anticipated sports event.