KARATE WKF WORLD:  WKF Executive Committee meeting

The WKF Executive Committee me at the "Bagcilar Olympic Stadium". The main points of the agenda discussed were the following:

* Presentation of the WKF Commissions Chairpersons reports.

* Approval of the new face mask that will be implemented in the 2009 World Junior-   Cadet Championships for the category of 14-15 years old.

* Implementation of kumite competition for 18-21 years old competitors that have never participated in Senior Championships with 3 male and 3 female categories. This event will be integrated in the World Junior-Cadet event.

* Approval of the Karate Federation of Niger as WKF provisional member, reaching thus a total number of 177 countries affiliated to the WKF.

* Recognition of the new leadership of UFAK as this was elected during the UFAK Congress at 15/7/2007. The new UFAK President is Mr. Mesbahi (Algeria) and the new General Secretary, Mr. Paraiso (Benin).

* Appointment of Mr. Mike Dinsdale as the WKF General Treasurer.

Japan is ready to host the 2008 World Senior Championships

Karate is going back to its roots as the 2008 event will take place in Tokyo, Japan, at "Budokan", the temple of the Japanese Martial Arts. The Japan Karate Federation representatives gave a detailed report on the preparations of the event to the WKF EC. The success of the Championships will support Tokyo's candidature for hosting the 2016 Olympic Games.